South Africa vs South Korea: Two Orlando Pirates players & others to watch in must-win clash

South Africa take on South Korea in their final World Cup group stage match on Thursday looking for a win that will most likely seal their passage into the knockout round.

Bafana Bafana must win against the Asian giants in Monterrey as with one point, any other result would spell doom. South Korea, meanwhile, just need to avoid defeat to seal their ticket but would fancy their chances given a win would leave them at least second in Group A.

Winning the match will not be easy for coach Hugo Broos of South Africa and Hong Myung-bo of South Korea and they will need to get their sections and tactics spot on.

So, which players will likely make the difference for the two sides?

South Africa

Ronwen Williams

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams has been a mainstay in goal and at this World Cup, he has hardly got a foot wrong.

South Africa have conceded three goals so far and all of them were down to defensive mistakes and not the goalkeeper’s fault.

Were it not for Williams, Bafana Bafana would have lost by a bigger margin to Mexico as he pulled off key stops, including a stunning one-handed save to deny Raul Jimenez after nine minutes.

His reflexes and composure under pressure has helped his team avoid embarrassing losses and he will be needed again on Thursday.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

The Bafana Bafana defence has not covered itself in glory at this World Cup but Mbekezeli Mbokazi has still come out with credit.

His tackling, pace and physicality have been key and against the quick but diminutive Koreans, the left-footed Chicago Fire centre-back will be key for South Africa.

Relebohile Mofokeng

The Orlando Pirates playmaker changed the game when he came on at halftime against Czech Republic but there are calls for him to start this time round.

Blessed with pace, intelligence and ability to operate in tight spaces, Relebohile Mofokeng is the kind of player Bafana need to unlock defences and this game could suit him even more as South Korea will come out to attack, giving him time and space to get behind the defence to either score or create for his teammates.

Evidence Makgopa

The Orlando Pirates striker rarely gets the praise or even mention when such lists are created but this is a game that suits him perfectly.

Big and lethal in the air, South Africa will be best served with Evidence Makgopa as their No.9 as he will win more aerial balls in the box against the small Korean players and either score or knock them down for his teammates.

His physicality will also be a problem for the Asian giants in Monterey and Broos would be best advised to start with him ahead of Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners.

South Korea

Kim Min-jae

Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae is one of the star names in this South Korean team and it is not hard to understand why given he plays for a European heavyweight and is a past Serie A winner with Napoli.

Nicknamed the ‘Monster,’ Kim is the leader for South Korea at the back with his recovery speed, physical dominance, and ability to shut down counterattacks, bringing confidence and calmness in the team.

He is also an asset when attacking set-pieces and Bafana Bafana will have to watch him whenever South Korea get a corner or freekick.

Kim Seung-Gyu

Goalkeeper Kim Seung-Gyu has already displayed his qualities at this World Cup after his heroics kept the score at 1-0 against Mexico, having made three outstanding saves to deny the co-hosts.

Kim has a 75 per cent save rate in his two matches at this tournament, having kept out six of the eight shots he has faced, while he is blessed with great ability with the ball at his feet.

His ball-playing ability helps him sweep away danger but also launch attacks from deep while helping in build-up play.

Son Heung-min

The most recognisable face among the South Koreans is star forward Son Heung-min who became a global superstar during his 10-year stay at Tottenham Hotspur.

Lethal and lightning fast, Son has lost his speed in recent years but still possess the quality to punish any mistake and South Africa will have to be keen.

Son can play across the front line either out wide, as the main striker or even as a number 10. The 33-year-old is the most capped South Korean player with 146 appearances and second on the all-time top scorers list with 56 goals.