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

Bafana have some exciting options.

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.

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.

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.