Bafana Bafana are set to usher in a new era this weekend under the leadership of Pitso Mosimane, and here his how the team could line up.
During Hugo Broos’ tenure, there were several players whose names were almost guaranteed on the team sheet. Mosimane named a 30-man squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, as well as the friendly against Egypt.
As expected, the squad has already sparked debate, with questions over certain selections and the absence of some players.
How will Mosimane approach his first games? A possession-oriented 4-2-3-1 is one possible setup, with the following players tipped to make the starting lineup.
Predicted Bafana XI Under Pitso
GK – Ronwen Williams
Sipho Chaine could certainly make a case for a starting spot after his impressive performances at club level. However, for these type of matches, Mosimane may prefer the more internationally experienced Williams, while also maintaining some continuity. Williams hasn’t exactly given the coach so much reason to drop him either.
RB – Thabang Matuludi
Mosimane made it clear during his squad announcement press conference that he sees Matuludi as someone who can help fill the void left by the injured Khuliso Mudau. His strong performance for Mamelodi Sundowns against Al Ahli Saudi could further strengthen the coach’s confidence in him.
RCB – Lebone Seema
Ime Okon has impressed whenever given an opportunity, but it is difficult to overlook Seema’s consistency. He has been almost faultless alongside Nkosinathi Sibisi at Orlando Pirates since last season and could be rewarded with a starting role.
LCB – Olwethu Makhanya
Makhanya’s strong start at a big club like Rangers FC in Scotland could have done enough to convince Mosimane that he is ready for the left-sided centre-back role. With regular starter Mbekezeli Mbokazi injured, the door is certainly open for the young defender.
LB – Aubrey Modiba
Much like Williams, Modiba’s experience at international and continental level could work in his favour. Fawaaz Basadien has enjoyed a strong rise and good recent form at Sundowns, but Mosimane may value Modiba’s experience for these fixtures.
CDM – Sphephelo Sithole
There may be little reason to change the midfield structure too drastically, also with Lebohang Maboe injured. In a double pivot, Sithole could be the deeper of the two midfielders, tasked with breaking up play, protecting the defence and providing the link between the backline and midfield.
CDM – Teboho Mokoena
Mokoena has been an important player for Bafana for some time and is expected to retain his place. With Sithole sitting deeper, Mokoena could be given greater freedom to operate as a box-to-box midfielder and influence the game from a more advanced position.
CAM – Relebohile Mofokeng
The No. 10 role, one of the most important positions in Mosimane’s system, particularly when it comes to creating chances and unlocking defences. Mofokeng’s strong start at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise makes him a natural candidate, although his late arrival in camp could be a concern. Even so, he remains a strong option for the role.
RM – Thapelo Maseko
Maseko has also made an encouraging start at Copenhagen, including getting among the goals. Having already performed well for Bafana at the FIFA World Cup, Mosimane could look to build on that confidence and give him another opportunity on the right.
LM – Tashreeq Matthews
Matthews could provide something different on the left. With Oswin Appollis struggling for form, the Sundowns winger’s positive start to the campaign could see him being one of the new faces rewarded with a place in the XI.
FW – Iqraam Rayners
Mosimane has traditionally shown a preference for using natural No. 9s, with Rayners and Yanela Mbuthuma among the options available. While Rayners hasn’t been a regular starter or prolific scorer for Sundowns recently, his Bafana and continental experience could give him the edge.