South Africa face a fascinating AFCON qualifying encounter against Kenya, with Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane facing an important selection decision ahead of Friday’s showdown.
The fixture carries an extra storyline, with former Bafana Bafana striker Benni McCarthy now leading the Kenyan challenge. With national pride and valuable qualifying points at stake, South Africa will need its strongest possible combination.
But which players deserve to start?
Predicted Bafana Bafana starting XI against Kenya
Ronwen Williams is expected to captain the team from goal, bringing his experience and leadership to an important fixture.
At right-back, Thabang Matuludi could get the opportunity to impress, while Aubrey Modiba remains a strong candidate on the opposite flank.
The central defensive partnership could feature two exciting young talents: Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. However, Ime Okon remains another option as competition for places intensifies.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena and Yaya Sithole could form an effective double pivot, combining defensive discipline with the ability to dictate the tempo.
Further forward, Orlando Pirates duo Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis offer creativity and attacking energy. Relebohile Mofokeng, meanwhile, could be the difference-maker in the attacking midfield role.
The in-form forward has been making headlines in Belgium with Royal Union Saint-Gilloise and will be eager to bring his impressive club form onto the international stage.
Our predicted Bafana Bafana XI:
Williams; Matuludi, Makhanya, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Sithole; Moremi, Mofokeng, Appollis; Foster.
Relebohile Mofokeng could be Bafana’s biggest weapon
One player South Africa will be counting on is Relebohile Mofokeng.
The talented attacker has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Belgian club Royal Union Saint-Gilloise, contributing five goals and four assists in 15 appearances, according to the supplied report.
His performances have included a goal on his European debut against Viktoria Plzen and an influential display in the victory over Celta Vigo in the Europa League.
At just 22, Mofokeng is increasingly establishing himself as one of South Africa’s most exciting attacking players.
His ability to create opportunities, beat defenders and produce decisive moments could prove crucial against a Kenyan side coached by McCarthy.
Can Pitso lead Bafana to victory against Benni McCarthy’s Kenya?
This encounter promises an intriguing tactical battle.
South Africa will want to control possession, use their attacking quality and make the most of home advantage. Kenya, meanwhile, will be determined to make life difficult for their opponents under McCarthy’s leadership.
For Mosimane, getting the starting XI right could make all the difference.
The big question is whether Bafana have enough firepower to overcome Kenya.
Who would you select in Pitso’s starting XI? Should Mofokeng be the main attacking threat, and which defenders deserve to start?
Have your say!
