Having been eliminated from title contention, Bafana Bafana will turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff at the 2023 AFCON. Image: Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix
Three Bafana Bafana AFCON stars who might be saying goodbye
The pinnacle of one chapter is often the end of another.
Having been eliminated from title contention, Bafana Bafana will turn their attention to Saturday’s third-place playoff at the 2023 AFCON. Image: Djaffar Ladjal/BackpagePix
Amid the optimism around Bafana Bafana and their AFCON exploits, it might also be time to reflect on the way forward for a few of their players.
ICYMI: Three South African stars seeking big-money moves after AFCON
Three Bafana stars on borrowed time?
Themba Zwane
Mshishi is adored around South Africa, and rightly so, but it’s unlikely he has another major tournament left in those legs. The flamboyant playmaker will be 35 in August and 37 by the time another World Cup rolls around. He showed glimpses of quality at AFCON, of course he did, but he wasn’t ever able to last 90 minutes.
ANALYSIS: Three huge wins for Bafana after AFCON semifinal run
Percy Tau
South Africa could and possibly should have been over the hill and far away at halftime against the Super Eagles. The major culprit in that regard, and it’s awful to single out individuals, was Percy Tau. The Al Ahly man had two gilt-edged chances to score but hit one of his shots tamely into the arms of Stanley Nwabali and then when he raced through on goal moments later, a heavy first touch meant the Chippa goalkeeper could easily come and gather. Is it time to build a more dynamic, direct Bafana attack? Tau will be 30 this year.
RUMOUR: Namibian AFCON star ‘dreams’ of playing for Kaizer Chiefs
ICYMI: The Lion of Judah wanted to roar at AFCON but all Tau could do was meow
Siyanda Xulu
At 32, Xulu was the oldest of Bafana’s backfive against Nigeria. It’s not old in the lifespan of a defender, but his lack of electric pace was exposed once or twice during the tournament. Hugo Broos might be looking for a nippier option in the heart of defence going forward.
OPINION: Three things we learned from Bafana’s AFCON semi-final defeat
Who do you think has run their race in a Bafana jersey? Let us know in the comments section below.
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
Also, follow The South African on X for up-to-the-minute news updates
