5 Key Bafana Talking Points After AFCON Qua…

Bafana v Eritrea. Photo: Gallo Images

Following Bafana Bafana’s victories over Guinea and Eritrea in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Soccer Laduma focuses on five key talking points with the national team sitting top of Group D.

Bafana Bafana started the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, before hammering Eritrea 5-0 at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, Egypt, last night.

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It’s been a perfect start for new coach Pitso Mosimane, and here are five key talking points from the victories. 

‘Rele’ standing out as a number 10

When Hugo Broos was coach of the national team, one of his big concerns was who would step up to replace Themba Zwane in the role of number 10 in the long term. It’s taken just two matches for Relebohile Mofokeng to raise his hand as the number 10 South Africans can rely on to bring the magic required to unlock the opposition. 

Bafana covered in central defence

The first two matches have shown that Bafana Bafana are covered in central defence, even without Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Olwethu Makhanya, who did not get a single playing minute at the FIFA World Cup, stepped in and showed why he is a darling of the Glasgow Rangers, with a solid display. Calm in possession of the ball, Makhanya formed a solid partnership with Ime Okon, who was also impressive in the two matches.

With Lebone Seema and Khulumani Ndamane to also call on in times of need, Bafana Bafana looks sorted for many years to come in central defence.

More central midfield options needed?

Injuries have proven to be a problem in central midfield, and this should give Mosimane reason to widen the pool of players in that position.

Lebohang Maboe sustained an injury before getting into camp, before Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas also picked up knocks. With Thalente Mbatha not available for this camp, it’s clear that the options in central midfield were not as many as Mosimane would have liked. This gives the coach the challenge of making sure he has enough cover in what’s arguably the most important department for the national team.

Striking department raises concerns

It’s not the first time, and it probably won’t be the last, that the striker problem is being discussed.

Iqraam Rayners was the man trusted to start in both qualifiers, and he scored against Eritrea, but Bafana Bafana’s options upfront were not enough. Rayners was not at his best, and while Yanela Mbuthuma showed some promise when he came on against Guinea, the team is in need of a prolific finisher.

Cassius Mailula is an option for the team, but Mosimane will no doubt be hoping that more strikers raise their hands to get called up, which will create healthy competition for places in the team.

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Zwane is Pitso’s trusted soldier

During the match against Guinea at Orlando Stadium, there was a time when Mosimane was in discussion with Themba Zwane on the bench, getting the thoughts of the experienced midfielder.

Mosimane explained that Zwane is one of the trusted personnel who brings valuable experience and guidance. He is not expected to play much, but his presence will be important for the team.

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