Bafana Bafana kick off their Fifa World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday 3 September.
Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction: Zimbabwe vs South Africa 3 September
This is how we expect Bafana Bafana will line up against Zimbabwe in the first match of their 2022 Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign.
Bafana Bafana kick off their Fifa World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday 3 September.
Bafana Bafana kick off their Fifa World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday 3 September.
Here we predict how Bafana Bafana could line up against their neighbours and rivals, who are without several regulars based in England.
Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction
Having been named captain it is something of a foregone conclusion that Ronwen Williams will start in goal for Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe.
There are indications that Hugo Broos will trial a new centre back pairing with Siyanda Xulu set to partner debutant Rushine de Reuck at the heart of the defence.
Broos has indicated that he will blend youth and experience and looks set to play the balancing act on either flank of the back four.
Mamelodi Sundowns stalwart Thapelo Morena should be patrolling the right back channel while Austin Dube’s form in the Cosafa Cup trophy win should have sealed a place for him on the big stage. Sibusiso Mabiliso probably hasn’t played enough football this season to be considered, and Morena should shade his Sundowns teammate Sydney Mobbie.
In midfield, Teboho Mokoena is fast becoming South Africa’s mister reliable and the SuperSport United star should anchor Bafana’s efforts in the middle of the park.
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Siyethemba Sithebe put in the hard yards to set up South Africa’s Cosafa Cup triumph, and despite his absence from the technical area during the event, Broos should reward his efforts in being named as the player of the tournament.
In the number 10 role, Sipho Mbule has the chance to step up to the next level and show that he has the flair and technique to lead the next generation of Bafana Bafana stars.
Broos is expected to use Percy Tau in a wide role on the left side of a three-pronged attack. Evidence Makgopa should be given an opportunity to build on the excellent start he has made to his career as an international centre forward. Former Maritzburg United star Thabiso Kutumela should have completed the strikeforce but that was scuppered by a positive COVID-19 test. Instead Royal AM’s Victor Letsoalo will likely start up front.
Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Team news
Bafana Bafana starting XI (predicted): Ronwen Williams, Austin Dube, Siyanda Xulu, Rushine de Reuck, Thapelo Morena, Teboho Mokoena, Siyethembe Sithebe, Sipho Mbule, Percy Tau, Victor Letsoalo Evidence Makgopa.
Confirmed starting XI
Williams (C), Morena, De Reuck, Xulu, Mobbie, Mvala, Mokoena, Tau, Links, Singh, Makgopa.
