Hugo Broos will need to make careful alterations to his Bafana Bafana side in the AFCON Round of 16. Will one Orlando Pirates star replace another?
Sipho Mbule started against Zimbabwe but could find himself on the bench in the Round of 16.
South Africa gears up for AFCON clash in the Round of 16
South Africa will meet the runners-up of Group F, containing Cameroon, the Ivory Coast, Gabon and Mozambique. The match goes ahead in Rabat on Sunday, 4 January at 21:00 local SA time. Mozambique meet Cameroon, and Gabon takes on the Ivory Coast. Thalente Mbatha could come back into the side at the expense of clubmate Sipho Mbule. Box-to-box operator Mbatha would provide more dynamism from deeper midfield areas, while Mbule has again struggled to impose himself in the final third.
Predicted Bafana XI in AFCON Round of 16 with a big Orlando Pirates presence
Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole, Mbatha; Moremi, Foster, Appollis.
Although their opponents aren’t yet known, it’s still worth taking a bash at how South Africa could set up. Against Zimbabwe in a chaotic 3-2 win, Broos stuck with the tried and tested back four in front of Ronwen Williams, comprising Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Aubrey Modiba. The Belgian boss opted for Teboho Mokoena and Sphephelo Sithole in a double pivot with Sipho Mbule ahead of them as a number 10. Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi provided the width in attack behind Lyle Foster.
However, Mohau Nkota and Thalente Mbatha could both be used from the start, while Rele Mofokeng is also an option.
Msendani hints at Orlando Pirates, Chiefs move in the future
25-year-old Marumo Gallants striker Daniel Msendani has hinted at making his next big move. He scored three goals and assisted three for Gallants last term and featured for his nation, Zimbabwe, at AFCON against South Africa.