Five Players Who Can Spark Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana find themselves in a tight spot ahead of the potentially decisive Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against São Tomé and Príncipe. Off the back of a disappointing draw to Namibia and a defeat to Zambia, they head into this fixture with six players unavailable.

Bafana Bafana Squad Profiles

Nevertheless, there are some stars still in the squad who can inspire Molefi Ntseki’s men to claim all six points on offer. We have singled out five who we believe can play crucial roles in the team come Friday and next Monday’s games.

Percy Tau

Tau has been in hot form for Anderlecht, picking up four goals in the Jupiler Pro League. He has not scored for Bafana Bafana since his brace in the 2-1 win over Libya in March 2019. Those goals cleared the path for Stuart Baxter’s side entry into Afcon that year. However, he is also capable of providing the creative spark, with Molefi Ntseki having so far attempted to bring that out of him rather than use him as an out-and-out striker. Regardless of the role in which he is deployed, Tau’s incisive runs in behind pose a threat to even the very best defences, and certainly to South Africa’s next opponents.

Bongani Zungu

After a lengthy spell out of action, Bongani Zungu has worked his way back to fitness and made his debut for Scottish giants Rangers in the 8-0 thrashing of Hamilton. He has made his frustration known over social media since being left out of Molefi Ntseki’s March squad. Now he will be eager to let his football do the talking.

?️ Steven Gerrard on Bongani Zungu's debut:

"Bongani came on there. Kept us balanced behind the ball, kept us ticking over and he showed his range of passing, his aggression, and his profile.

"He's only going to get better and better with time."

— Rangers FC & Linfield FC (@bluesbrothers86)

With Thulani Serero and Andile Jali ruled out of the squad, Zungu only becomes more vital to Bafana’s aspirations. He offers stability, skill on the ball, a mean right foot, and a powerful header which itself is capable of contributing goals.

Luther Singh

Singh is one player who has come to the party since being brought back into the Bafana Bafana setup by Ntseki. When he netted against Namibia, it looked for a brief moment as if all was well for Bafana. Singh has established himself in the Portuguese top flight and his versatility means Ntseki has several options if he wants to work both Singh and Tau into the attack. Having been out of the fold for some time under Stuart Baxter, Singh will surely still feel as if he has unfinished business despite his bright start in Bafana colours.

Kamohelo Mokotjo

Mokotjo is another player who has been slowly working his way back to competitive action overseas but has become a regular for Cincinnati FC in Major League Soccer. With Bafana light in the middle of the park following the withdrawals of Jali and Serero, plenty of responsibility will fall onto the shoulders of whoever starts in midfield. Mokotjo is a more defensive player than Zungu, so he can provide some stability while the Rangers man attempts to drive the team forward.

It will interesting to see how Ntseki opts to utilise Mokotjo while the tough-tackling Dean Furman is also in the squad. Mokotjo, however, has enjoyed more game time with his club than Furman of late and is playing at a higher level.

Keagan Dolly

Dolly scored for Bafana in their defeat to Zambia and his presence in the team could make the difference. The Montpellier man is another versatile player who could be used alongside Singh and Tau in an attacking trio behind an out-and-out striker.

With his progress having been hampered by injury of late, Dolly has played a bit-part role for his club in Ligue 1 this season. If he feels he needs an opportunity to really stand out again, these back-to-back matches could provide him with the perfect platform.