Botswana's Ramoreboli is the only SA-born AFCON coach, amidst strong PSL club presence

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday evening, will highlight the depth of talent emanating from African football clubs.

As major leagues across the continent take a break for the continental showpiece, it is no surprise to see strong African representation on the tournament roster.

Sudanese football powerhouse Al-Hilal leads the charge, contributing an impressive 11 players to the tournament.

The renowned South African sides, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, have collectively 17 players who will don the South African national jersey. Pirates have nine players, and Sundowns are fielding eight. Sundowns’ seasoned goalkeeper Denis Onyango will be rallying the Ugandan squad.

AFCON 2025 will not exclusively showcase players from Africa; it features talent from across the global football spectrum.

However, French Ligue 1 boasts the largest contingent with 51 players heading to the tournament, while England’s Premier League enters the fray with 33 representatives, including six from newly-promoted Sunderland.

Interestingly, Sunderland stands out as the only non-African club to break into the top 10 contributors' list despite the toll of losing six players to AFCON duties.

South Africa’s Betway Premiership also makes its mark, sending 30 players to the tournament. Notable contributions come from the Egyptian and Tanzanian Premier Leagues, illustrating the extensive reach of African football.

While the tournament showcases player talent, football fans will also closely examine the strategic minds behind the teams.

AFCON 2025 notably favours local coaching, with 14 African coaches compared to 10 foreign coaches. This shift underscores the growth and recognition of homegrown coaching excellence, with a host of philosophies, cultures, and leadership styles colliding on the African football stage.

Among the prominent local tacticians is South Africa’s celebrated coach Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to the AFCON title in 2017. He is the only AFRICA 2025 coach to have won the title.

Under his guidance, Bafana Bafana have experienced a resurgence, with a third-place finish in 2023 and World Cup qualification highlighting his impact.

Botswana’s Morena Ramoreboli, the only South African-born coach at this year’s tournament, embodies the growing strength of local coaching.

After successful domestic campaigns with Jwaneng Galaxy, Ramoreboli returns Botswana to AFCON for the first time in 13 years, carrying the hopes of a nation keen to affirm its place on the continental stage.

As AFCON 2025 unfolds in Morocco, the tournament will exemplify not just football talent but also the essence of African identity, ambition, and legacy.

Coaches and players alike strive not only for victory but for a chance to shape the future of African football.