Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos has some midfield headaches to ponder. How will he shuffle his pack against Congo?
Mbatha, Adams and Sithole are all out 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.
Sithole is out for the long-term
‘Yaya’ Sithole is out indefinitely after surgery on his leg and he’ll miss the remainder of the Afcon qualifiers. The 25-year-old KZN Academy player debuted for the South Africa national team against Morocco in September 2022. After a stint with Sporting in Lisbon, he’s now with Gil Vicente in Portugal. ‘Yaya’ has 18 caps for Bafana, including a string of stellar performances at Afcon 2023. 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 once he recovers from injury.
The Yaya/Tebza axis is broken up
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and rotate his options. 23-year-old Stellies man Jayden Adams could have been the most natural replacement but has been withdrawn from the squad for disciplinary reasons. 24-year-old IFK Värnamo star Luke Le Roux could be thrust into action sooner than expected in the heart of the battle.
Predicted starting XI vs Congo
Chaine; Mudau, Ngezana, Dortley, Modiba; Le Roux, Mokoena; Mofokeng, Zwane, Appollis; Foster.
South Africa is sitting pretty in Group K
Meanwhile, Bafana managed a 2-2 draw with Uganda, followed by a thrilling 3-2 win against South Sudan. A pair of positive results against Congo on 11 and 15 October would put Hugo Broos’ side in a very healthy position. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium plays host to Friday’s clash with kickoff at 19:00. A pair of wins against Congo would all but seal qualification for the showpiece.
Group K recap
Starting XI in the 3-2 win over South Sudan: Chaine; Mudau, Ngezana, Dortley, Modiba; Sithole, Mokoena; Morena, Zwane, Appollis; Foster.
Subs used: Mbatha, Mokwana, Rayners, Mofokeng.
Who should start against Congo in central midfield?
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