The Big Three will have the power of influence in the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) squad selection ahead of this year’s finals due to start in a fortnight in East Africa.
While some countries are already in camp, it will be different for Molefi Ntseki and the group that he will take as the Bafana Bafana squad.
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The eighth edition of the CHAN finals, catering only for players plying their trade in their domestic leagues, will be held from August 2-30 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Ntseki is playing a waiting game on who clubs make available with the prospect of having several out of contract players a likelihood.
Chiefs could make Tebogo Potsane and Happy Mashiane available with Bongani Sam, Ranga Chivaviro, Mduduzi Mdantsane, and Sabelo Radebe providing further after being released.
Pirates will have to weigh their options upon returning from Spain.
Clubless midfielder Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo could take the option to go and earn CHAN minutes if he is without a new employer soon.
The bulk of players that Ntseki could take might be those previously with Sundowns who include Rivaldo Coetzee, Lebohang Maboe, Sanele Tshabalala, and Sifiso Ngobeni.
Of those still at the club Siyanda Msani, Terrence Mashego, Reyaad Pieterse, Jody February, Kegan Johannes, Thapelo Maseko, and Kobamelo Kodisang.
The rest of the free agents available for consideration depending on fitness will include Kwanda Mngonyama, Siyethemba Sithebe, Ethan Brooks, and Rowan Human amongst others.
The CHAN tournament falls outside the FIFA dates and will clash with the start of the 2025/26 season.
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South Africa will start their Group C campaign against Algeria on August 8 then play Guinea three days.
The last two group matches will be against Niger on August 15 before the date against Uganda in front of their home fans on August 18.
All matches will be played at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Photo: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images
