Soccermag writers Dylan Johnson and Lukhanyo Gqokoma go head-to-head with their Bafana XIs ahead of South Africa’s Round of 32 match against Canada.
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Dylan’s XI (4-2-3-1)
Bafana Bafana did the unthinkable by beating South Korea in their final group match, and now they have an opportunity to go a step further against co-hosts Canada. It was a near-perfect performance from Hugo Broos’ side, and I am hoping there isn’t too much tinkering with the winning formula on Sunday.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Williams’ role is not under threat. He has stood up when it mattered and brought much-needed leadership at the back after a shaky start to the competition. He is my number one.
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
This is a combination that has gotten better and better as the tournament has progressed. Mudau and Modiba are our best fullbacks, and Okon looks to have grown into his role. Mbokazi remains our best defender and will continue to impact our play on both sides of the ball.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
This is the only area of the pitch where I believe we will see changes. Teboho Mokoena missed out against South Korea due to suspension, and Sphephelo Sithole stepped up in his absence. Mokoena is our leader in the middle of the park; he will return to the starting XI.
Sithole is unlucky to miss out, but Mbatha has been superb since coming into the starting lineup, so he retains his place. South Africa’s starboy Relebohile Mofokeng must start. He was the heartbeat of Bafana’s attack and moved the ball forward at every opportunity. His introduction was exactly what we needed, and I feel that against Canada, he can impact the game once again.
Forwards: Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates)
Bafana’s forward line looked at its best against South Korea, and I am not willing to change a thing. Makgopa’s link-up was integral to our attacking play and allowed Thapelo Maseko to run in behind. Appollis may not have had his best game last time out, but I still back him to make an impact.
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Lukhanyo’s XI (4-2-3-1)
Bafana Bafana continue to show a mix of resilience and vulnerability in their tournament run, but there are clear signs of a core structure forming. The challenge now is consistency over 90 minutes, especially against opponents like Canada, who thrive in transition and punish disorganisation.
This XI leans into balance, defensive stability, and pace in attacking transitions, while keeping a strong spine through midfield and defence.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Ronwen Williams is a shoo-in. He has been fantastic at this World Cup. Captain, leader, and one of South Africa’s most reliable performers throughout the tournament. There is no debate here.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
I would keep the same defensive line.
They have looked more settled with each game, and there is a clear sense that they are growing into the tournament as a unit. The communication is improving, the positioning is better, and they handled last week’s pressure phases well enough to justify continuity.
At this stage of the World Cup, cohesion and understanding matter, and this back four looks like it is starting to find that.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Teboho Mokoena comes straight back into the XI after serving a suspension for consecutive yellow cards, which kept him out of the South Korea match. His absence saw South Africa turn to a more hard-working midfield setup, with Thalente Mbatha starting alongside Sithole.
For this one, Mokoena replaces Mbatha. It is less about performance and more about profile, with Mokoena offering better passing range and set-piece quality in a knockout setting.
Sithole keeps his place for his defensive work in midfield, while Mofokeng remains the key link between midfield and attack after another strong showing in the previous round.
Forwards: Thapelo Maseko (AEL Limassol), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates)
Makgopa leads the line as the focal point, offering physical presence, hold-up play and an outlet in advanced areas.
Moremi keeps his place after an impactful showing off the bench against South Korea. While he didn’t score, he was heavily involved in the attacking move that led to Bafana’s winner, and his ability to change tempo and inject pace remains important.
Maseko was the match-winner against South Korea, scoring the decisive goal that sent South Africa into the knockout rounds. His timing in attacking runs and confidence in transition make him one of the most dangerous forwards in the squad.
Originally published by Soccermag.
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