Bafana Bafana will play Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final FIFA World Cup qualifiers in the coming days.
Hugo Broos’ men need two big wins to qualify for the global showpiece. Last week, FIFA docked three points from South Africa following the Teboho Mokoena saga. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder featured for Bafana against Lesotho in March, despite being suspended for that particular match.
The point deduction sees South Africa drop to second in the standings with 14 points alongside Benin. The West Africans have a superior goal difference, which sees them top of the standings.
When are Bafana playing next?
Bafana play Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday evening. Kick-off time is 18:00, and the match will be televised on SABC and also on SuperSport channels.
A win will put Bafana in a good position; however, anything less could see their chance of qualifying for the World Cup go up in flames.
How will Bafana lineup?
With Khuliso Mudau returning to the squad, the lanky right-back is expected to take back his position. Mbekezeli Mbokazi is set to retain his place in the team with his Orlando Pirates defensive partner, Nkosinathi Sibisi, making a comeback.
A left-back, Aubrey Modiba, is likely to return to the starting 11 after getting dropped against Nigeria last month.
In the midfield, expect Teboho Mokoena and Thalenthe Mbatha to start, but given Sphephelo Sithole’s return to Bafana, Broos might look to start with the tall defensive midfielder.
On the wings, surely Mohau Nkota and Oswin Appollis will be in the starting lineup. The two have shown great form for both club and country in the past few weeks.
Upfront, Lyle Foster is an obvious starter, but it remains to be seen who will play the number 10 position. Relebohile Mofokeng is a candidate, but Sipho Mbule might be tasked with the role as Bafana go for goals.
