Soccermag writers Dylan Johnson and Lukhanyo Gqokoma go head-to-head with their Bafana XIs ahead of South Africa’s match against Czechia.
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Dylan’s XI (4-2-3-1)
Last week’s opener was not good enough, and Bafana Bafana have no other option but to bounce back against Czechia in their second match in Group A. I was not a fan of the formation or mindset last week, and with this lineup, I think we can at the very least see a positive performance from Bafana Bafana.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Williams showed why he is South Africa’s number one in the opener. Despite conceding two goals, the Mamelodi Sundowns keeper saved us from humiliation with some superb stops. Five defenders did not help in beating Mexico’s press, but with more options up the pitch, Williams should be able to move the ball forward more effectively.
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Olwethu Makhanya (Philadelphia Union)
It was a tough outing for the Bafana defence against Mexico – huge pressure at the back and very little to work with ahead of them. I am expecting a change of formation at the back. Modiba, Mudau and Mbokazi are non-negotiables for me. TLB’s partner is the only real decision, and I think Ime Okon and Nkosinathi Sibisi drop out for Philadelphia Union’s Olwethu Makhanya.
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
This is the same midfield I went with last week. With Themba Zwane and Sphephelo Sithole suspended, Hugo Broos has little option but to go with a positive selection.
I think Mokoena and Mbatha will complement each other well, providing some much-needed physicality and ability on the ball, as well as added protection for the back four – allowing Pirates’ starboy Mofokeng the freedom to link up with the front line and impact the game. Czechia have a tall, powerful midfield, and I believe this selection has the ability to deal with that.
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Lyle Foster (Burnley)
The two-striker experiment did not work against Mexico. It cannot happen again. For me, Oswin Appollis has to start. He is our best creator and one of our best goal scorers – he needs to be on the pitch, no negotiating.
Lyle Foster was poor in round one; that is undeniable. But I feel it was the wrong choice to play Rayners and Foster up front together without real pace and width to support them. Foster has to be better, and I think he will retain his starting spot. Moremi adds exactly what we were lacking against Mexico – pace, width, trickery and creativity out wide.
Also see: Ronwen Williams calls for unity ahead of crucial Bafana clash
Lukhanyo’s XI (4-2-3-1)
South Africa’s opening loss to Mexico highlighted several key concerns. Bafana Bafana struggled to create meaningful opportunities, battled to play through Mexico’s aggressive press and spent much of the match pinned back in their own half before ending with nine men. Hugo Broos also acknowledged the team’s lack of attacking edge after the final whistle.
With those issues in mind, this selection focuses on injecting greater energy, creativity and attacking intent into the side.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Williams was one of South Africa’s brightest performers against Mexico. Although Bafana fell to a 2-0 defeat, the captain made a number of important saves that kept the scoreline respectable. His leadership and reliability make him an automatic selection.
Defenders: Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Ime Okon (Hannover 96), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Modiba and Mudau were among the few South African players who matched Mexico’s physical intensity and work rate. Their experience and ability to provide width remain valuable assets, while Mbokazi showed enough composure under pressure to justify retaining his place.
Okon comes into the side because South Africa needs a central defensive partnership capable of handling Czechia’s physical attack while also offering greater composure in possession. After the turnover that led to Mexico’s opening goal, improving the team’s ability to build from the back becomes even more important.
Midfielders: Jayden Adams, Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Adams earns his place due to the energy, defensive cover and ball-winning qualities he brings after South Africa were stretched for long periods against Mexico. Mokoena remains a key figure. Even under sustained pressure, he was one of the few players able to move the ball forward effectively and help Bafana establish spells of possession.
Attacking Midfielder: Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
One of South Africa’s biggest shortcomings against Mexico was the disconnect between midfield and attack. Despite seeing enough of the ball, they rarely threatened in dangerous areas.
Mofokeng offers a solution. He is arguably the squad’s best option for receiving possession in advanced pockets, driving forward and linking play. South Africa needs a player capable of taking responsibility in those moments.
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns)
This is where the most significant changes are made.
South Africa lacked pace, creativity and attacking variety in the final third against Mexico. Appollis brings all three. His ability to beat defenders and create chances from wide positions would immediately add another dimension to the attack.
Moremi offers directness and speed, qualities that were largely absent in the opening match.
Rayners keeps his place because of his movement inside the box and natural eye for goal. The attack often appeared isolated against Mexico, but surrounding Rayners with players capable of supplying and supporting him could help bring out the best in his game.
Originally published by Soccermag.
Also see: Zwane, Sithole are out, who fills Bafana’s midfield on Thursday?
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