Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has hinted at key changes to the starting line-up for the upcoming friendly international against Algeria.
Bafana take on the Desert Foxes on Tuesday in their final FIFA Series international friendly match.
They started with a 1-1 draw against lowly Andorra on Thursday. Despite dominating possession and creating chances, South Africa conceded an early goal due to a goalkeeping error and could only manage a draw through Elias Mokwana’s equaliser.
The Belgian mentor had rested his key players for the Andorra clash. Ronwen Williams, Grant Kekana, Teboho Mokoena, Siyanda Xulu, Aubrey Modiba, Themba Zwane, Mihlali Mayambela, Oswin Appollis and Nyiko Mobbie all did not start that tie.
Broos opted for Ricardo Goss, Mokwana, Goodman Mosele, Thabang Monare, Mondli Mbanjwa, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Khanyisa Mayo.
Ahead of the Algeria clash, his comments suggest a key player could be in line for a starting berth.
WHICH KEY CHANGES IS HUGO BROOS LIKELY TO MAKE FOR ALGERIA TIE
Speaking to SAFA Media, the veteran mentor acknowledged the team’s positive experience so far. He praised the hospitality, training facilities, and the players’ attitude in training. However, he expressed disappointment at the team’s lack of finishing prowess in the recent win against Andorra.
In his efforts to try something new, Broos signalled his intent to give Iqraam Rayners a starting opportunity in their upcoming match against Algeria.
“This [scoring] is a problem already for several years in South African football. So we don’t really have the big scorer, even when there are guys who score rather easily in the local competition,” Broos explained.
“You see, Mayo eight goals, Rayners also, something like that. So we’ll see about Iqraam on Tuesday, he will play. But everybody has to know that those games international games are one or two levels higher than PSL. It’s not easy to score.
“But, on the other end, we have to see for the moment, there are three strikers who aren’t here. Makgopa, Mothiba and Foster [aren’t here]. So, there are some things to wait for. I hope all three of them, maybe not Mothiba but Makgopa and Foster, will be ready in June.
“Those games are important; we proved at AFCON that we can score, but last Thursday, we had too many chances, and we scored not enough.”
He added that there would be “a lot of changes” on Tuesday as the Andorra tie was “the best opportunity to give to the new guys”.
HOW BAFANA BAFANA COULD LINE UP
Williams is expected to return to guard the goals, with Kekana likely to partner Xulu in the heart of defence. Mobbie could start at right back, with Modiba slotting in at left-back.
Mokoena could return in midfield alongside Zwane and perhaps Grant Margeman. Mayambela and Appollis look set to start on the wings, with Rayners leading the attack.
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