Just like the Springboks, Bafana Bafana seems to have their own “Bomb Squad.”
During the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, coach Hugo Broos had several players he could rely on from the bench. Notably, the Orlando Pirates duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Thalente Mbatha stood out. Mbatha scored two spectacular goals in Bafana Bafana’s matches against Uganda and South Sudan.
Although Mbatha missed the qualifier matches against Congo Brazzaville due to injury, he made his return against South Sudan. As we look ahead to next year’s World Cup qualifiers, Broos appears to have his starting eleven lined up.
Ronwen Williams is set to start in goal, with Khuliso Mudau, Rushwin Dortley, Grant Kekana, and Aubrey Modiba forming the defensive line. With Themba Zwane expected to return next year and Siphelele Sithole currently injured, Bathusi Aubaas is anticipated to take center stage in midfield alongside Teboho Mokoena.
In attack, Bafana Bafana will feature Oswin Appollis on the right and Elias Mokwana, who has made a name for himself on the left wing.
Upfront, Broos has the option of starting both Iqraam Rayners and Lyle Foster. These two players are likely to feature in Bafana’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho next March.
Who are the Bafana Bafana players who make up the “Bomb Squad”
Thapelo Morena has made a significant impact whenever he has come off the bench, utilizing his pace on the right wing to trouble opposing teams.
Mofokeng and Mbatha contributed crucial points for Bafana in the qualifiers and are expected to play vital roles in upcoming matches.
Fawaaz Basadien is another underrated player who has quietly established himself as one of the top left-backs in the country. He made his first start for Bafana against South Sudan and impressed with his performance. If South Africa needs to solidify their defense, he might be the key player to guide the team. Additionally, Jayden Adams and Patrick Maswanganyi are both impact players who possess the quality to change the course of matches.
In 2019, the South African national rugby team(Springboks), introduced the term “bomb squad” referring to their substitutes. In most of their World Cups matches between 2019 and 2023, the Bomb Squad often came on and made a difference. For Bafana, they have relied mostly on their starting eleven but might need to form a very strong bench that will install fear in teams.
Which players deserve a call-up?
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