Bafana Bafana played two international friendlies as coach Hugo Broos prepared the team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Bafana beat Mozambique 2-1 before playing a 1-1 draw with Angola. FARPost looks at players who may have convinced Broos they should play a part in the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane
He would have impressed the coach because he got two goals for the team. The coach will know that he can look to him for goals, especially after Bafana forwards fluffed chances in the two matches.
Also, when you look at his game, it has improved immensely. He’s a much better player than he was nine months ago.
In fact, the Minnesota United winger was the best player in the game against Mozambique. With the MLS league set to start in February next year, he should be in top condition for the March qualifiers.
Themba Zwane
Broos now waxes lyrical about his abilities. Who would blame him? ‘Mshishi’ makes playing football look so easy with his deft touches and intelligent play.
Without a doubt, he makes Bafana tick. The Mamelodi Sundowns talisman is the glue that holds the team together. He is the creative hub of that team. It’s a pity he is 32 because he is easily a man the coach can build the team around.
Zwane was behind the second goal that Hlongwane scored against Mozambique.
Ronwen Williams
He may not have had the best game against Mozambique, but he showed why he is South Africa’s number one in the game against Angola. The Sundowns goalkeeper made amends against Angola. He shone like a beacon, pulling off some excellent saves to keep Bafana in the game. Besides the fact that his deputy Veli Mothwa is struggling for form at club level, Williams would have cemented his place on Broos’ side.
Miguel Timm
The Belgian coach will be happy because Timm will keep Siphephelo Sithole on his toes for that CDM position.
Timm was exceptional when he made his debut on Thursday.
One would have thought the coach would give Blom a chance in the same position on Sunday.
Instead, he opted for Luke Le Roux and brought in Timm later in the second half. Perhaps that was an indication that the coach was eager to have another look at the Orlando Pirates midfield grafter.
Teboho Mokoena
His versatility puts him in good stead. He is one of the few players who played the entire game for both encounters.
Interestingly, when Zwane was pulled off in the Angola game, he was pushed to an advanced midfield position and came close to scoring.
The Sundowns midfielder is evergreen, a vital cog in that Bafana engine room. The switch on Sunday shows how much the coach values him.
He will undoubtedly be part of the team playing the AFCON qualifiers in March.
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