Hugo Broos names preliminary Bafana squad for AFCON

South Africa are in Group E at the tournament to be hosted by the Ivory Coast early next year.

They will compete Mali, Namibia and Tunisia for a place in the knockout rounds.

Before then Broos will need to reduce his squad to 23 players.

His team will meet in camp prior to the start of the tournament and play a training match against Lesotho at the Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Bafana are first in action against Mali on 16 January.

Bafana squad:

Goalkeepers

Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss, Melusi Buthelezi, Bruce Bvuma

Defenders

Sydney Mobbie, Grant Kekana, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Thabiso Monyane, Mothobi Mvala, Siyanda Xulu, Given Msimango, Bradley Cross, Thapelo Maseko, Siyabonga Ngezana, Thapelo Xoki, Themba Mantshiyane, Ime Okon, Thapelo Morena, Terrence Mashigo, Khuliso Mudau, Fawaaz Basadien

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena, Grant Margeman, Jayden Adams, Njabulo Blom, Miguel Timm, Thabang Monare, Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Bathusi Aubaas, Goodman Mosele, Sphephelo Sithole, Ethan Brooks, Patrick Maswanganyi, Mlungisi Mbunjana

Strikers

Mihlali Maymbela, Themba Zwane, Evidence Makgopa, Khanyiso Mayo, Percy Tau, Zakhele Lepasa, Lyle Foster, Lebo Mothiba, Monnapule Saleng, Tshepang Moremi, Elias Mokwana, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners