Bafana Bafana face the Warriors of Zimbabwe with last 16 qualification in sight.
The talking point is Hugo Broos’ expected response to the backlash that followed the 1-0 defeat to Egypt.
The Belgian coach is tipped to make two attacking changes. He will shift away from the overly defensive approach that left fans frustrated and deflated South Africa’s attacking strengths.
HUGO BROOS SLAMMED FOR ULTRA DEFENSIVE APPROACH
Broos came under heavy criticism after the 1-0 loss to Egypt, with many supporters feeling the setup limited creativity and expression.
The complaint was simple: too much caution, not enough courage. South African players were prevented from playing to their strengths: enterprise, improvisation and front-foot football.
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Against Zimbabwe, defensive midfielder Sphephelo Sithole should make way.
In his place, Orlando Pirates’ Thalente Mbatha will drop from his number 10 role against Egypt into the number 6 role.
Mbatha will still offer security, but the KwaMashu-born star is equally creative and offensive. The vacant number 10 role will offer a start for the more artistic Sipho Mbule.
Up front, Tshepang Moremi should be dropped with an intent of introducing him as an impact substitute.
His Orlando Pirates teammate Relebohile Mofokeng should earn his first start. While “Rele,” offers less pace, his vision will be key in finding Bafana Bafana’s most dangerous goal scorers, Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis.
The structure will look closer to the football South Africans recognise. The high tempo and possession dominance that is synonymous with Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. It is where many of these players are trusted to express themselves.
BAFANA BAFANA’S EXPECTED STARTING LINE-UP VS ZIMBABWE
- Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams
- Right-back: Khuliso Mudau
- Centre-back: Siyabonga Ngezana
- Centre-back: Mbekezeli Mbokazi
- Left-back: Aubrey Modiba
- Defensive midfield: Thalente Mbatha
- Central midfield: Teboho Mokoena
- Attacking midfield: Sipho Mbule
- Right wing: Relebohile Mofokeng
- Left wing: Oswin Appollis
- Striker: Lyle Foster.
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