The return of key players Khuliso Mudau and Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole significantly alters the dynamics for Bafana Bafana as they prepare to face Zimbabwe.
The South African national team will ‘visit’ the Warriors on Friday in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier tie at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, kicking off at 6 PM.
Bafana urgently need maximum points to revitalise their qualification campaign following a three-point deduction. The deduction resulted from fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena in the previous match against Lesotho in March. This setback left Bafana in second place in the group, level on points with Benin, who currently hold a superior goal difference.
As Bafana take on Zimbabwe in Durban and Benin visit Rwanda, the results of this matchday will be critical in reshaping the race for World Cup qualification.
HOW HUGO BROOS COULD SET UP BAFANA AFTER MUDAU & SITHOLE’S RETURN
Here’s how head coach Hugo Broos’s starting XI could look as he welcomes back Mudau and Sithole. Mudau was excluded from the September qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria due to a lack of club activity. On the other hand, Sithole had been recovering from a year-long injury layoff.
Defence
Khuliso Mudau is expected to slot straight back into the defence at right-back. He will likely join the familiar central defensive partnership of Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who know each other from their club, Orlando Pirates. Aubrey Modiba is the likely candidate for the left-back position. This is despite being benched in the Nigeria game in favour of Samkelo Kabini.
Midfield
The midfield is poised to be an exciting area, particularly with the reunion of Sithole and Mokoena, who have a proven track record of combining effectively.
Sithole, typically deployed as a deep-lying midfielder to shield the defence, grants ‘Tebza’ the freedom to operate in a box-to-box role. Mokoena can be a significant threat when venturing forward, with the potential for goal assists and powerful long-range shots. The excellent form of Sipho Mbule creates an exciting three-man midfield. This is further enhanced by the deep understanding between Mbule and Mokoena.
Attack
Broos is likely to opt for an energetic and pacy front three. Oswin Appollis is set to occupy the left-wing role. He has been in devastating form for his new club, Pirates, and continues to excel for the national team.
Mohau Nkota, scorer against Lesotho in September, is expected to be deployed on the right wing. Leading the attack will be Lyle Foster, as Bafana look to secure the much-needed goals for a crucial victory.
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