SASoccerMag writer Byron Lukas gives an insight into the top five players he expects to stand out for Bafana Bafana when they take on Zimbabwe in the second round of the World Cup qualifiers at the FNB Stadium on Thursday, November 11 at 21:00.
Since the takeover of the Belgium tactician Hugo Broos, Sout Africa has had some kind of swagger to their style of play, whether it is playing from the back, catching their opponents with fast counter-attacks or pressing high to force an error.
Collecting 10 points from four matches Bafana Bafana sits firmly at the top of Group G, however, fellow West African side Ghana is just one point behind them, adding more pressure on South Africa as they prepare to take on the “Warriors” who are rock bottom after collecting only one point from four matches while Ethiopia is in third with three points.
To kick off my top five players that I expect to stand out in Bafana’s next match, I have to highlight the famous quote by one of Britains most successful football managers, Sir Alex Ferguson who once said,” Attack wins you games, defence wins you titles”.
Speaking of defence, Mamelodi Sundowns defender Rushine De Reuck comes in at number five as he will play a vital role for South Africa at the back.
Even though the 25-year-old has not played since Bafana’s last international game against Ethiopia in October, Broos has expressed his confidence in De Reuck indicating that he has no reason to doubt his qualities.
Coming in at number four has to be the SuperSport United shot-stopper, Ronwen Williams who has been in excellent form for club and country since he was handed the captaincy by Broos.
Williams whose name will probably be first on the team sheet will earn his 25th cap for the senior team. He will overtake three former Bafana Bafana goalkeepers in the likes of Brian Baloyi, Moeneeb Josephs and Rowen Fernandez.
At number three we have another SuperSport United player, midfielder Jesse Donn who has been called up to replace the injured Sekhukhune United midfielder Yusuf Maart. I have to say I’m disappointed that Maart has picked up an injury but the young Donn has proven that he has got what it takes to perform at the highest level. His work rate and midfielder presence reminds me of when Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay burst onto the scene for the first time.
Donn was in the previous Bafana squad but did not feature.
Sitting at number two is Baroka FC forward Evidence Makgopa who scored in Bafana’s 3-1 victory against Ethiopia. Makgopa will cause some problems for the Zimbabwean defence, especially with his off the ball runs and his accuracy in the final third. The speedy striker has already represented SA at the Olympic Games with the Under-23 side in June.
Okay, I must admit that this had to be the easiest pick for me because coming in at number one is a player who showed us that he can play at the highest level and that the number 10 role is still effective in South African football. Ladies and Gentleman, Kaizer Chiefs star Keagan Dolly who is back with the national team following his great form for Amakhosi this season. Although he will come up against his club teammate and member infamous striking forces the league has ever seen “ CBD” Khama Billiat, Dolly is definitely my top pick to produce the goods for Bafana Bafana as they look to maintain top spot before they take on Ghana on Sunday, November 14 at 21:00 (SA time).
Bafana Bafana Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs).
Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs), Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Njabulo Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City), Tercious Malepe (AmaZulu), Thibang Phete (Belenenses SAD, Portugal).
Midfielders: Sphelelo Sithole (Belenenses SAD, Portugal), Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Teboho Mokoena (SuperSport United), Mduduzi Mdantsane (Cape Town City), Keagan Dolly (Kaizer Chiefs).
Forwards: Fagrie Lakay (Cape Town City), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Pule Mmodi (Golden Arrows).