Smiso Msomi
Bafana Bafana face the difficult challenge of having to utilise their squad depth in the next instalment of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying. The South African national team will tackle back-to-back matches against Congo-Brazzaville, as they look to lay a stronghold on the Group K, which is currently led by Uganda.
Mbatha, Adams withdrawn from Bafana Bafana squad#BafanaPride#AfconQualifier https://t.co/EK73f5veES
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 7, 2024
The first match will be played at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday at 7pm, while the return leg concludes in West Africa on Tuesday.
With Bafana head coach Hugo Broos hit by the absence of Siphepheleo Sithole and Thalente Mbatha due to injury and the exclusion of Jayden Adams, an opportunity for other players to put their hands up has come up. Here, Smiso Msomi takes a look at five players who need to step up for injury-hit Bafana.
Teboho Mokoena
The 27-year-old will play in a Bafana match without Sithole next to him for the first time since last, which will bring a challenge on its own. The Mamelodi Sundowns captain is one of the most trusted figures on and off the field in the Bafana group and it will be up to players like him to bring about stability in the upcoming matches.
Luke le Roux
Set to partner Mokoena in Sithole’s absence is the overseas-based Luke Le Roux, who is expected to get the nod after a spell away from the national team with injury. Making his first appearance at this edition’s qualifiers, the Sweden-based Le Roux is expected to understand the assignment ahead of him as he looks to keep the Bafana engine running whilst seeking to become a mainstay in the squad.
Ronwen Williams
The return of national team captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams could not have come at a quicker time for Broos and the country.
In his absence, Veli Mothwa ended up digging his own hole with the national team leading to him being dropped while debutant Sipho Chaine did very little to suggest a possible reshuffle in goals against South Sudan. The Ballon d'Or nominee will take over the number one jersey and the captain’s armband with Broos looking for a good foundation to build from and to stop conceding goals.
Grant Kekana
Looking to aid Broos’ strive for keeping clean sheets is the experienced Grant Kekana who is expected to retake his role in the starting eleven against Congo-Brazzaville. Bafana conceded four goals in their first two games against Uganda and South Sudan and with Siyabong Ngezana missing through injury, Kekana is expected to slot in next to the young Rushwin Dortley.
Lyle Foster
While Foster’s main task remains goals for Bafana, it is his vast experience and personality that will be needed to retain belief in the Bafana camp. The Burnley striker is the number one striker for the national team and if he can hit his straps early and rally the troops in Percy Tau’s absence, it could ignite positivity throughout the group.