Bafana Bafana squad prediction: Former Kaizer Chiefs star and club target miss out! 

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos is set to announce his first national team squad on Thursday, ahead of the back to back 2023 AFCON Qualifiers against Liberia. 

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Bafana Bafana are in Group K, with the only other side in their group besides Liberia, being leaders and World Cup semi-finalists Morocco. 

Bafana lost opener

Broos’ men succumbed to a narrow 2-1 loss to Morocco in their first game of the campaign, away from home. Judging from the strengths and exploits of the Atlas Lions, that result is looking more and more credible for Bafana Bafana. However, they will now know that there can be very little room for era going forward, and will undoubtedly be targeting a double over Liberia.

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Group K features only three teams because Zimbabwe found themselves disqualified by FIFA due to political interference. That has then made the task much easier for either Bafana Bafana or Liberia depending on who will capitalise from this double header. 

Broos named strong provisional squad but who will make the cut?

Last week, Broos named a formidable looking 35-man preliminary squad, with 12 of those players set to be axed. Ahead of the official squad announcement at 12 pm, The South African has a go at predicting the final Bafana Bafana 23 man squad. 

Goalkeeper:

Ronwen Williams, Veli Mothwa and Brandon Petersen 

Defenders:

Sydney Mobbie, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Thapelo Morena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyanda Xulu, Mthobi Mvala and Innocent Maela

Midfielders: Siphephelo Sithole, Luke le Roux, Teboho Mokoena and Miguel Timm.

Forwards: Themba Zwane, Percy Tau, Cassius Mailula, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Fagrie Lakay, Monnapule Saleng and Lyle Forster.

Noticeable absentees

In goal, Petersen probably just edges out Ricardo Goss due to big game and big crowds experience. He has also since made the Chiefs number one jersey his own. In defence, it was a close one between the likes of Modiba, Morena (inverted) and Siyanda Msani. But again, big game and continental experience saw the two edge the rising Richards Bay star. Msani has also been named in the u23 provisional squad which gives a hint that he could be part of that final group.

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In the midfield, the biggest absentee and tough call is the omission of former Kaizer Chiefs star Njabulo Blom. Despite making an immediate impact at his new home St. Louis in the MLS, none of the previously called up midfielders have dropped in form and Broos may well yet opt for consistency, while affording Blom more time to settle in his new surroundings for the time being. 

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Lastly, with the attackers, two overseas-based stars in Mihali Mayambela and Kabomelo Kodisang could count themselves unlucky to miss out. This is due to the rise of the likes of Mailula who wasn’t named in the provisional u23 side, which is a big hint that he has made the Bafana Bafana cut. The other forwards have either been in good form or very familiar with Broos’ system so may get the benefit of the doubt.