Bafana Bafana’s next leader – A changing of the guard

Bafana Bafana host Lesotho tomorrow before travelling North to Benin.

It will be a fine night under the Polokwane stars but there will be some notable absentees, namely Patrick Maswanganyi and Themba Zwane. Both, out with injuries, are Hugo Broos’ leading protagonists; so, who takes over the mantle when they’re away?

Welcome, Mamelodi Sundowns winger Jayden Adams. The 23-year-old had doubters when he jumped ship in January – a benchwarmer was what many thought he would become, but the former Stellies man is writing his own story.

He rocked up to the biggest team in the country and said this is where I belong, scoring on his debut start before adding another four games later. Miguel Cardoso has looked to Adam’s for answers and boy, has he delivered, mixing it up with Iqraam Rayners and Lucas Ribeiro Costa like prime MSN.

The upcoming World Cup qualifiers are his chance to become Bafana’s beacon of hope, the one to look for when the going gets tough. Broos has a serious baller on his hands; use him wisely—he could just be the next best thing.

Qualifying in reach

Bafana is second on the log, level on points with first-placed Rwanda and upcoming opponents Benin. Back-to-back victories will all but solidify their World Cup 2026 spot.

Broos acknowledged the task at hand, saying, “As everybody knows, we have important games in front of us. It’s a key moment.”

“I said that already before if we can achieve two victories against Lesotho and Benin, then I think we can make a big step in qualification, certainly also taking into account the other games in the group,” the Bafana boss added. 

“We will try to do it, and on the other side we know that these will be tough and difficult games.”

Do you agree that Adam’s is Bafana’s answer?

Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

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