THALENTE Mbatha has all of the attributes coach Hugo Boos likes in a midfielder. |BackpagePix
THE South Africa national men’s squad have reconvened for two crucial Africa Cup of Nations Afcon) qualifying matches with head coach Hugo Broos adding fresh faces to his roster.
Bafana will tackle the challenge of Uganda at Orlando Stadium on Friday (kick-off 6pm) before jetting off to South Sudan to play their second match in the group on Tuesday.
Having formed what seems to be his core in the last 10-12 months, Broos has handed first-time call-ups to two or three new players, who are expected to make a huge impression on the Belgian mastermind.
Here, Smiso Msomi takes a look at five players desperate for Broos’ nod of approval in the upcoming Afcon qualifiers.
1 Thalente Mbatha
Durban-born Mbatha has been one of Orlando Pirates’ most enterprising revelations over the last six to eight months, having played key roles in the club’s recent leap in progress.
The 24-year-old central midfielder seemingly fits all the attributes of a Broos-like midfielder with his towering presence coupled with a wide range of passing as well as the right level of aggression.
If the SuperSport Academy graduate is to make an appearance, he will have hopes of displacing the more mature duo of Tebogo Mokoena and Yaya Sithole.
Bafana Bafana squad for their 2 upcoming AFCON qualifier matches against
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) August 29, 2024
🇺🇬 6 September 2024 at Orlando Stadium at 18h00
🇸🇸10 September 2024 (away) at 15h00 @SAFA_net @10bet_ZA @flysaa @CastleLagerSA pic.twitter.com/GWka4BwHYF
2 Lyle Forster
Forster is on one of the most peculiar journeys with the national team at the moment as he works to regain the trust of Broos and the country, having missed the previous Afcon.
The 24-year-old is expected to lead the line for Bafana, with Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabaso missing from the squad.
The Soweto-born man has also started the season very well at club level and is undoubtedly the most match fit between himself and Iqraam Rayners.
3 Rushwin Dortley
New Kaizer Chiefs man Dortley is one of three new faces in Broos’ squad and is expected to play a back-up role, with the more experienced Grant Kekana and Siyabonga Ngezana expected to partner up in central defence.
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Themba Zwane to captain Bafana against Uganda, South Sudanhttps://t.co/ktd7YTzy0S
Nevertheless, the versatile 22-year-old defender will be eager to show Broos what he can do during training and if he gets any playing time in the two upcoming games.
4 Fawaaz Basadien
Basadien has been one of the most consistent left-backs in the country for about 18 months now and his call-up to the national team comes as no surprise.
The Stellenbosch FC man is also one of the most sought-after defenders in the country and he is expected to want to own the left-back slot currently occupied by Aubrey Modiba.
5 Ronwen Williams’ replacement
One of the biggest decisions Broos is going to have to make this international break is who to replace his injured captain and regular goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Veli Mothwa, Ricardo Goss and Sipho Chaine may all have valid points as to why they can deputise this time around and are expected to be eager to prove worthy number twos in the absence of Williams.