Bafana Bafana must reshape the midfield after two more injuries for Hugo Broos’ men. Orlando Pirates star Mbatha is the latest casualty.
Congo test looms for Bafana Bafana
South Africa square up to Congo on Friday 11 October and they’ll do so without foreign-based Yaya Sithole and Orlando Pirates dynamo Thalente Mbatha. Both players are injured. Mbatha was Bafana’s match-winner in a 3-2 thriller against South Sudan in their last match. Mbatha is the latest potential casually after complaining of a knock after the MTN8 final at the weekend.
Yaya is out long-term
Meanwhile, Yaya Sithole is out for the long term after surgery on his leg. He’ll miss the remainder of the Afcon qualifiers. The 25-year-old debuted for the South Africa national team against Morocco in September 2022. Sithole is a KZN Academy player who has had a stint with Sporting Lisbon. Now he’s a mainstay for Bafana with 18 caps, including a string of stellar performances at AFCON. With reported interest from Italy’s Serie A in February this year, the combative star won’t be the cheapest option on the market for reported suitors Kaizer Chiefs. Sithole started alongside Teboho Mokoena against South Sudan, now coach Broos will need to improvise and rotate his options. 23-year-old Stellies man Jayden Adams could be the most natural replacement, while 24-year-old IFK Värnamo star Luke Le Roux also waits in the wings.
Orlando Pirates stars key to South Africa’s success
Even with Mbatha potentially missing the two upcoming clashes with Congo, Hugo Broos will lean heavily on the Orlando Pirates players in his squad. Sipho Chaine is a strong backup goalkeeping option while Thabiso Sesane is enjoying a storming start to the season in the centre of defence for the Buccaneers. Teenager Relebohile Mofokeng made a cameo against South Sudan and will be called upon again here, while there’s also the option of talented left-footed Patrick Maswanganyi.
Kaizer Chiefs stars knocking on the door for Bafana
Rushwin Dortley is already the proud owner of two Bafana Bafana caps. That number will grow as Chiefs’ new central defensive signing from Cape Town Spurs has looked assured and classy at the highest level. Meanwhile, youngster Mduduzi Shabalala scored on the opening day of the Betway Premiership season against Marumo Gallants and has started all three league games in the fabled number 10 role. 2024-2025 feels like the season that Mdu Shabalala becomes a key player for the club. Can he take that next step up for his country?
How should Broos line up his midfield against Congo on Friday?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.
