Predicted Bafana Bafana XI vs Lesotho: Mofokeng IN or OUT?

Predicted Bafana Bafana starting XI vs Lesotho: Mofokeng in or out?

Bafana have some exciting options.

Relebohile Mofokeng in action for Orlando Pirates against Cape Town City FC at the DHL Stadium. Image: @safootclassics/X

Bafana Bafana boss Hugo Broos has selection headaches all over the pitch against Lesotho in World Cup qualifiers. Will Mofokeng start?

Predicted Bafana XI vs Lesotho

Williams; Mudau, Kekana, Ngezana, Basadien; Mbatha, Mokoena; Appollis, Foster, Mofokeng; Rayners.

This would be a bold XI, including Relebohile Mofokeng at the expense of Elias Mokwana. Is Percy Tau in with a shout? Probably not. Lyle Foster’s intelligence, channel-running and link play are integral to how Bafana operate, while Iqraam Rayners’ strength and pace are ideal in transitions. On paper, a midfield duo of Thalente Mbatha and Teboho Mokoena is perfectly balanced.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos angry at Orlando Pirates over Patrick Maswanganyi. Image: Goal.com — Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is angry at Orlando Pirates over Patrick Maswanganyi. Image: Goal.com

Key kickoff details

Hugo Broos’ men tackle Lesotho on Friday 21 March at 18:00. It’s matchday 5 of World Cup qualifiers in Group C. Bafana is sitting on seven points. Action comes to you from the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Full squad to face Benin and Lesotho

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, and Ricardo Goss.

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie, Aubrey Modiba, Thabo Moloisane, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khuliso Mudau, Grant Kekana, Fawaaz Basadien, and Nkosinathi Sibisi.

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Jayden Adams, Bathusi Aubaas, and Thalente Mbatha.

Forwards: Oswin Appollis, Iqraam Rayners, Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, Percy Tau, Thapelo Morena, Elias Mokwana, and Lyle Foster.

striker Bafana — Burnley’s Lyle Foster. Image: Sydney Mahlangu/Backpagepix

Orlando Pirates star Mbokazi’s time for South Africa will come

Mbokazi is physically gifted and only going to mature further as he exits his teens. Blessed with a natural aptitude to defend danger on the ground, the 19-year-old is also known for his crisp distribution over both short and longer distances and natural leadership ability. It’s not often cultured left-footers are also so aggressive in the tackle. In fact, when last did you see a player with this broad and unique skill set? We’re going to be seeing a lot of this guy in a Pirates and Bafana jersey for years to come.

Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Image: Goal.com

What’s your ideal Bafana XI vs Lesotho?

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