South Africa's national football team, Bafana Bafana, has returned home with a confidence boost after securing three wins in three matches under coach Pitso Mosimane. The team's impressive performance in the international friendlies has propelled them to the top of Group D in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, ahead of Guinea, Eritrea, and Kenya. This development has significantly improved their chances of qualifying for the tournament in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania next year.
Mosimane's team achieved a notable scalp by defeating top-ranked Egypt with a side comprising mostly fringe players. The win was particularly significant as it demonstrated the team's depth and resilience. The coach handed opportunities to several players to extend the pool, with Brooklyn Poggenpoel being a standout performer. His impressive displays in the matches against Eritrea and Egypt have earned him a chance to compete for call-ups with Lebohang Maboe as cover for midfielders Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Thalente Mbatha, and Bathusi Aubaas.
The team's core, consisting of players like Ronwen Williams, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, Themba Zwane, and Relebohile Mofokeng, has provided continuity and consistency. Players like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau, Thalente Mbatha, and Evidence Makgopa, who were recovering from injuries, are expected to rejoin the squad in November. Tshepang Moremi, a late call-up to replace injured Lebohang Maboe, was an integral part of the squads under former coach Hugo Broos in the 2023 Afcon and 2026 Fifa World Cup.
Mosimane faces a selection dilemma in central defense with the return of influential defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from injury. Mbokazi, who has been Bafana's best defender in the last year-and-a-half, is not guaranteed a starting place, as Ime Okon and Olwethu Makhanya played superbly in the recent matches. The coach will have to decide whether to reinstate Mbokazi or maintain the current defensive partnership.
Despite the team's impressive performance, Mosimane identified areas for improvement, particularly in the striking department. The team's strikers were not at their best, with only Iqraam Rayners scoring in the thrashing of Eritrea. The pressure is now on Rayners, Cassius Mailula, and Evidence Makgopa to boost the attacking department when fit. Makgopa is expected to make a significant impact when he returns to the squad next month.
Mosimane's decision to field a team of 'fringe' players in the friendly against Egypt at Cairo International Stadium paid off, as they secured a morale-boosting win. The match demonstrated the team's depth, with players like Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss, Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Khulumani Ndamane, Fawaaz Basadien, Puso Dithejane, Tashreeq Matthews, Luther Singh, Mailula, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Shandre Campbell making significant contributions.
As Bafana Bafana prepares for the back-to-back qualifiers against Kenya in November, Mosimane will have to make crucial decisions on the team's lineup. The coach will need to balance the team's form and experience with the need to integrate returning players like Mbokazi and Makgopa. The team's performance in the upcoming matches will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Key points
- Bafana Bafana secured three wins in three matches under coach Pitso Mosimane, boosting their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying prospects.
- Mosimane faces a selection dilemma in central defense with the return of influential defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi from injury.
- The team's strikers were not at their best in the recent matches, with only Iqraam Rayners scoring in the thrashing of Eritrea.
