Mzansi Leagues to Have Representation at AFCON 2021 Despite Bafana Bafana's Absence

• Despite Bafana Bafana failing to qualify for the 2022 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon, there will be a large contingent of South Africa-based players at the tournament
• Eighteen players from the DStv Premiership as well as the National First Division will be spread out among eight countries at the tournament
• Zimbabwe has the most players based in Mzansi, while surprisingly, the NFD boasts more players in Cameroon than the Premiership

Bafana Bafana might not be making an appearance at the 2021 African Cup of Nations, but plenty of footballs plying their trade in South Africa are jetting off to Cameroon.

The DStv Premiership and the National First Division below will be represented by no less than 18 players at the showpiece event. These players will be spread out among six nations bar any injuries before the tournament starts on 09 January 2022.

Limbikani Mzava (Amazulu), Dennis Chembezi (Polokwane City) Richard Mbulu (Baroka FC), Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City) and Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates) will turn out in the colours of Malawi. Malawi was drawn with Guinea, Senegal and Zimbabwe in Group B.

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The Zimbaweans will be represented by Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars), Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy), Onismor Bhasera and Kudakwashe Mahachi (both SuperSport United), Temptation Chiwunga and Ishmael Wadi (both JDR Stars) and Knox Mutizwa (Golden Arrows).

Amazulu goalkeeper Jean-Noël Amonome will be the sole Mzansi-based player in the Gabon squad, who will lock horns with the Comoros, Ghana and Morocco in Group C.

Kaizer Chiefs' Daniel Akpeyi and Orlando Pirates Olisa Ndah will don the Nigerian jersey as the Super Eagles try to negotiate a tough Group D comprising Egypt, Guinea-Bissau and Sudan.

JDR Stars' Badra Ali Sangaré is in the Ivory Coast squad, which will look to see off the challenges of defending champions Algeria, Equatorial Guinea Sierra Leone in Group E.

Black Leopards' Modou Jobe rounds things off as a member of the unfancied Gambia, who will not look to just make up the numbers in Group F against Tunisia, Mali and Mauritania.

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