Bafana predicted XI vs Guinea: Matuludi over Sebelebele, Rayners upfront in AFCON 2027 qualifier

Pitso Mosimane is preparing to name his first starting lineup on his Bafana Bafana return as his team faces Guinea in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday.

Mosimane is likely to stick to the tried and tested during the clash at Orlando Stadium as he looks to build on what was left behind by his predecessor Hugo Broos while making his own observations.

That means Bafana’s starting XI will be full of familiar faces with only injury-enforced changes. Afrik-Foot predicts how South Africa will line up against Guinea.

Bafana Bafana predicted XI vs Guinea

Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams

The Mamelodi Sundowns star may have had some shaky performances in the last two months but will likely retain his place in goal given his immense experience and leadership.

Right-back: Thabang Matuludi

With Khuliso Mudau injured, the new Sundowns full-back ticks most boxes for Mosimane who has already explained how he plans to use him against some of Guinea’s dangermen.

Left-back: Aubrey Modiba

The experience of the Sundowns left-back, added to his attacking threat down the flanks earns him an automatic place in the team.

Centre-back: Olwethu Makhanya

The defender has been immense since joining Scottish giants Rangers and Mosimane is likely to rely on him in the absence of the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Centre-back: Nkosinathi Sibisi

The Orlando Pirates captain brings leadership, calmness, experience and quality at the back which Mosimane’s team will need in plenty at a stadium he knows too well.

Central midfield: Teboho Mokoena

The man who makes Bafana tick. The Sundowns midfielder is the link between defence and attack and if Bafana have to win, he will likely have a big say.

His reading of the game, tacking, passing and threat from long range or set-pieces make him a massive presence.

Central Midfield: Sphephelo Sithole

The Portugal-based midfielder complements Mokoena and the two have played well together for long while he faces less competition now that Thalente Mbatha is injured.

While he can be erratic at times, he offers protection to the back four when Mokoena makes forward runs.

Attacking Midfield: Relebohile Mofokeng

Not a certainty in the No.10 role but he will be in the starting XI. If Mosimane follows Broos’ precedent and retains him behind the striker, then Guinea are in for a tough time as the Royale Union Saint-Gilloise playmaker is adept at scoring goals, creating them while his movement in and around the box is hard to mark.

Right wing: Thapelo Maseko

Now playing for Danish giants FC Copenhagen, Thapelo Maseko will want to continue from where he left off at the World Cup, having been the man that sent Bafana to the knockout round.

His fearlessness, ability to operate in tight spaces make him ideal for a defensively solid team like Guinea but he will need to be clinical after wasting several chances at the World Cup.

Left wing: Oswin Appollis

The Orlando Pirates winger is good at attacking space in behind but can also beat his marker when he drifts inside.

His eye for goal and ability to operate in tight areas like Maseko will add to the threat while the two are likely to keep switching wings.

Striker: Iqraam Rayners

With Lyle Foster not called up and Evidence Makgopa injured, the Mamelodi Sundowns striker will likely get the nod ahead of debutant Yanela Mbuthuma.

Rayners has something to prove after missing the World Cup but he offers a different dynamic in attack as he can play on the shoulder of the last defender and also get involved in the build-up, making him unpredictable.