South Africa coach Hugo Broos. Photo courtesy of Bafana Bafana X account.
Bafana Bafana share Group B with Egypt, Zimbabwe and Angola at the tournament, which kicks off on Dec. 21 in Morocco.
Zwane, 36, South Africa’s second most capped player in the current generation with 51 appearances – behind goalkeeper Ronwen Williams on 57 – misses out as he has yet to return from injury. The midfielder has featured at three previous Nations Cups.
“We have to look to the future too, and have players who will train with us and get a feel of the national team,” Broos told reporters on Monday.
“This squad will not change much for the World Cup as well, maybe a few players, so it is important to look to that too.”
Broos handed first call-ups to QPR defender Tylon Smith and Club Brugge winger Shandre Campbell.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster is the only squad member playing in one of Europe’s top five leagues.
Ten players from the 2024 Nations Cup squad return, including captain Williams, who saved four penalties in the shootout win over Cape Verde in the quarter-finals.
South Africa, champions in 1996, finished third at the last edition.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates); Ricardo Goss (Siwelele); Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, capt).
Defenders: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi (both Pirates); Aubrey Modiba, Khuliso Mudau (both Sundowns); Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway); Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City); Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy); Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB, Romania).
Midfielders: Oswin Appollis, Thalenthe Mbatha, Sipho Mbule, Relebohile Mofokeng (all Pirates); Bathusi Aubaas, Teboho Mokoena (both Sundowns); Elias Mokwana (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia); Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal).
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi (both Pirates); Lyle Foster (Burnley, England); Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia).
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