Here's how Bafana Bafana will likely lineup against Lesotho

11 Views

Bafana Bafana will need a strong lineup ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on Friday evening.

Hugo Broos’ men need nothing more than a win to keep their qualifying campaign on the right track. With Benin and Zimbabwe playing to a draw, Bafana will need the maximum points.

After Friday’s match, South Africa travel to Ivory Coast to play a strong Benin side which aims to qualify for their first World Cup.

How can Bafana line up against Lesotho?

Ronwen Williams (GK)

The Mamelodi Sundowns will earn his 51st cap against Likuena at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Williams has led from the front and will be crucial especially with a new back four.

Khuliso Mudau (RB)

Mudau has been exceptional since Broos made him the first-choice right-back for the national team. With his exceptional marking and positioning, expect Lesotho’s left-side to be kept quiet.

Grant Kekana (CB)

The former SuperSport United defender has cemented his place in the national team. He is expected to be one of the first names in the Bafana lineup against Lesotho. His leadership and experience will be key if South Africa are to keep a clean sheet.

Siyabonga Ngezana

With Mothobi Mvala and Rushwin Dortley injured, Ngezana is the obvious choice to fill in at centre-back. The 27-year-old has looked shaky at the back but with Williams and Kekana to back him up, he might settle nicely.

Fawaaz Basadien (LB)

The Stellenbosch FC star has only made a handful of appearances for the national team but his quality is unmatched. With Aubrey Modiba unavailable for the qualifiers, Basadien will no doubt be in the Bafana starting lineup against Lesotho and Benin.

Bathusi Aubaas (DM)

The Kuruman-born midfielder could get another start for Bafana with Siphelele Sithole still injured.

Teboho Mokoena (CM)

Mokoena has been Bafana’s keyman in the past year or so and is expected to dominate the midfield. His experience is immense and will surely be a man to watch in the two qualifiers. If he can boss the midfield, Bafana’s chances of getting six points in the two games is almost guaranteed.

Oswin Appollis (LW)

The Polokwane City star has not shown much form this season. Whether he will be in the starting lineup against Lesotho remains a mystery but the 23-year-old has always delivered for Bafana.

Elias Mokwana (RW)

Mokwana’s pace on the right will energise the Bafana attack. With Thapelo Morena expected to come on in the second half, Lesotho might be exposed if they don’t prepare well on their right-hand side.

Can Bafana produce a strong lineup against Lesotho?

Iqraam Rayners (FW)

The Sundowns striker has impressed this season and should be in the starting eleven on Friday. With his pace and positioning, Bafana have a good chance of scoring a few goals early in the game.

Lyle Foster (FW)

Foster is quality and is one player who should not be benched in games like this. The 24-year-old is expected to shake Bafana’s attack in the two matches.