South Africa vs Guinea: 5 Bafana players to watch, including Pirates forward

Bafana Bafana are preparing for their first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and coach Pitso Mosimane has some key players that he hopes to rely on.

South Africa will host Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, September 26, in a match that will give Mosimane a true picture of the job he has on his hands but he is looking to continue from where his predecessor Hugo Broos left.

Broos relied on a number of top names and even though some of them like Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Khuliso Mudau, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa are out with injuries, there are still others who possess the quality to trouble Guinea.

5 Bafana players to watch against Guinea

Ronwen Williams: Goalkeeper, Mamelodi Sundowns

One of three captains, Ronwen Williams will likely wear the armband as he remains Bafana’s first-choice goalkeeper and brings considerable international experience.

While he has had some shaky performances for Mamelodi Sundowns this season, it is hard to see Williams dropped as he offers more than shot-stopping given his great ability with the ball at his feet which helps to launch attacks from deep and beat the press.

Against a Guinea side expected to be led by Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy, Williams could have a particularly important role.

Aubrey Modiba: Left-back, Mamelodi Sundowns

Full-backs will be important for Bafana Bafana as they will act as another attacking outlet if they cannot find their way through the middle and they do not come better than Aubrey Modiba.

While he has his critics when it comes to defending, no one has a problem with Modiba when it comes to getting forward as he has an eye for a good pass that can take out the defence and also delivers pin-point crosses which will be key to unlocking Guinea.

Teboho Mokoena: Midfielder, Mamelodi Sundowns

The midfield anchor and one of the most experienced players in the squad. His ability to control tempo, win second balls and progress possession could be especially important against Guinea’s physical midfield.

Mokoena also has the knack for scoring spectacular long-range strikes or great freekicks which could make the difference when the game is tight.

Relebohile Mofokeng: Attacker, Royale Union SG

The young forward has started life at Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in fine fashion and is set for a prominent role after Mosimane made it clear that he wants to allow him to thrive.

Relebohile Mofokeng offers pace, creativity and one-on-one ability. He was used sparingly by Broos but could be a major threat if Guinea leave space behind their defence.

Rele can score great goals while his vision gives him the ability to take out an entire defence with a single pass.

Oswin Appollis: Winger, Orlando Pirates

These are the kind of games that Oswin Appollis thrives in. The winger offers a dynamic attacking outlet, capable of operating wide or moving centrally and has an eye for goal.

His movement in and around the box makes him hard for defenders to track and that unpredictability is just what Mosimane’s team need against what is likely to be a stubborn defence.