Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction: World Cup qualifiers vs Zimbabwe

Bafana Bafana head into their World Cup qualifying match against Zimbabwe on top of their group and in great position.

Here we try to predict the Bafana Bafana starting XI that will be deployed by head coach Hugo Broos in Thursday’s match against Zimbabwe.

Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction

National team captain Ronwen Williams will be the first name on Hugo Broos’ teamsheet without a shadow of a doubt. You can take that to the bank.

After another clean sheet last time out, we expect the back four to remain unchanged from the team that beat Ethiopia in October.

Terrence Mashego faces no real competition for his left back spot thanks to the injury to Kaizer Chiefs star Sifiso Hlanti.

On the other flank, Sydney Mobbie looks set to continue his run at fullback, having played every minute of the campaign so far.

Rushine de Reuck and Siyanda Xulu are Broos’ first-choice centre backs and appear to grow in confidence with every match they are paired together.

Broos has a big choice to make when it comes to choosing who to partner Teboho Mokoena in central midfield with Njabulo Blom the likely candidate, although Njabulo Ngcobo is also an option, having played a number of games for Kaizer Chiefs in the middle of the park. Cape Town City’s Mduduzi Mdantsane is also in the frame.

An injury to Yusuf Maart should open the door for another national team cap for Ethan Brooks behind the front three.

In the strike trio we expect, Broos to favour three in-form strikers in Keagan Dolly, Victor Letsoalo and Percy Tau.

Bafana Bafana starting XI (predicted)

Ronwen Williams, Terrence Mashego, Rushine de Reuck, Siyanda Xulu, Sydney Mobbie, Teboho Mokoena, Njabulo Blom, Ethan Brooks, Keagan Dolly, Percy Tau, Victor Letsoalo.

Confirmed XI

To be announced on matchday.