Bafana Bafana’s FIFA World Cup preparations are taking shape. That's why they need to improve on their performances, instead of regressing until the start of the global showpiece on June 11.
Bafana will return to the World Cup for the first time since they hosted it in 2010, and for the first time since they automatically qualified 24 years ago. Granted, much of the hard work has been covered by players, but credit must go to coach Hugo Broos.
The septuagenarian has been like a true shepherd to his players, drilling positive human qualities such as discipline and attitude, as that will aid football qualities which are only required for match-day purposes.
Broos’ Authority and Squad Decisions
Broos duly didn’t compromise on those values, cracking the whip on players whom he felt didn’t embody the team’s DNA at AFCON. That’s why he dropped players such as Sipho Mbule and Sipho Chaine for the ongoing FIFA window.
The absence of the duo in camp could all but spell the end of their Bafana tenure under Broos. The 73-year-old declared that he has already finalised 70% of the final squad that will fly the country’s flag at the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
“Let’s say 70% of the selection is already in my head. But everything depends on the players’ condition: maybe next week they won’t play for their teams, or they could get injured – those kinds of things,” said Broos.
Panama Friendly: A Crucial Test
Broos will get a chance to see more of his players on Tuesday night (7.30pm kick-off) when they face Panama in a back-to-back international friendly at DHL Stadium after the first clash in Durban ended in a 1-1 draw last Friday.
SuperSportBet are rallying behind Bafana to come away with the victory, especially given that the match is sold out. That’s why SuperBoost is now at 3.50 odds for South Africa to win, increasing from 2.20 odds.
The belief in Bafana to win is justifiable. The first leg against Los Canaleros may have ended in a draw, but Broos’ men were their own worst enemies up front, missing chances when they looked easier to score.
Attacking Concerns and Selection Headaches
Broos was visibly frustrated with attacker Lyle Foster. He even described him as a good striker who can sometimes be a little bit lazy. With Bafana in need of goals to win the football match, Foster and Co must bring their scoring boots.
Failure to again be clinical against Panama could all but force the hand of Broos to have Evidence Makgopa as his leading striker. The Orlando Pirates’ No. 9 has a good work ethic and can get into the right channels, giving freedom to the rest of the attackers.
Betting Outlook and Match Expectations
Despite their shortcomings in front of goal, SuperSportBet backs the match to be free-flowing and high-scoring. They have a Bet Builder feature which includes Over 1.5 First Half Goals | Over 3.5 Goals | Both Teams to Score at 6.00 odds.
However, while the feat gives a chance for one of the teams to come out on top, Bafana faithful can be patriotic by deciding to fully rally behind the boys by betting on another Bet Builder feature which backs South Africa to win or draw | Over 1.5 First Half Goals | Over 3.5 Goals at 7.50 odds.
Creative Engine: Mofokeng and Zwane
Foster and Makgopa can’t score without service delivery. Enter Relebohile Mofokeng and Themba Zwane. The duo is regarded as the future and the present prominent figures of the national team.
As such, Broos believes that both thrive in the No. 10 role. While Mofokeng still needs time to become familiar with the role, having been previously deployed as a winger at Pirates, Zwane has long mastered the art, which is why Broos doesn’t coach him much.
Defensive Stability and Goalkeeping Focus
Granted, attackers win games, but defence saves matches. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams will be eager to keep a clean sheet against Panama, taking a huge morale boost into the last FIFA window in May, leading up to the World Cup.
Given that he had a new defensive pair at the heartbeat of his team against Panama in Durban, he’ll likely have more changes in the Mother City as Mbekezeli Mbokazi is expected to start the match after being rested.
Defensive Reinforcements and Partnerships
Mbokazi has grown in leaps and bounds in recent years. His talent is undeniable, having slotted in seamlessly into MLS-based side Chicago Fire following his departure from Orlando Pirates late last year.
Given the fact that Mbokazi’s presence is set to solidify Bafana’s defence, SuperSportBet expects South Africa to score first, placing 1.75 odds on them, compared to Panama, who are backed with 2.39 odds to score first.
Emerging Talent in Defence
With the return of Mbokazi set to form a new partnership, following the absence of Siyabonga Ngezana, who’s out injured, Ime Okon has emerged as a suitable candidate who can work with the American-based star player.
Okon is not new to the national team, but under Broos he is still developing. He, however, did well on his return against Panama, although he could still do better with more game time and a suitable defensive partner.
Room for Improvement at the Back
Given that Broos still needs to solidify his defence, there can be a few shortcomings here and there, resulting in the conceding of goals.
But what’s clear is that SuperSportBet is rooting for Bafana all the way, even backing them to win the match and both teams to score with 4.33 odds, compared to Panama, who are at 6.00 odds.
Midfield Engine and Balance
With Teboho Mokoena on form, and showing flashes of his old self by covering hard yards, making timely tackles and unleashing crackers from distance, his kingpin qualities in the engine room need to continue.
Bafana needs a balanced team all round to succeed. That’s why the engine room must be fully functional to allow the fluidity and cohesion of the team both in attack and defence.
World Cup Group Challenges Ahead
With only one FIFA window left before the team jets out to Mexico, possibly on May 31, Broos doesn’t have time to twist and change. Mexico will offer a real test of character in the opening game at Banorte Stadium on June 11, as that will set the tone of their campaign.
From thereon, the going can only get tougher as they’ll face the play-off winner between Denmark and Czech Republic, and then South Korea to complete their group stage campaign.
Managing Expectations
Broos had previously claimed that the masses shouldn’t expect much from his team in terms of progression to the knockout stage, but given the extension of the event, he now knows that anything is possible.
But be that as it may, they have to be solid in preparations, continuing against Panama in the Mother City.
Match Form Guide
Recent form (last five games):
Bafana Bafana: W–L–W–L–D
Panama: W–W–L–D–D
Squad Availability
Injuries & suspensions
Bafana Bafana: N/A
Panama: N/A
Key Players to Watch
Relebohile Mofokeng – Bafana Bafana
Mofokeng is regarded as the future of the national team. However, such is the little time for adaptation he has to strive to thrive now. Competing and doing well against Panama will also prepare him for the big stage, eliminating potential threats of stage fright.
Edgar Barcenas – Panama
Based in Mexico, Barcenas has already offered Bafan a taste of what they can expect from the Mexicans in the opening game of the World Cup. Given all that, the Panama striker will want to ensure that he tests Bafana’s character defensively in Cape Town.
Head-to-Head Record
Head-to-head record (all games):
Games played: 2
Bafana Bafana wins: 0
Panama wins: 0
Draws: 2
Predicted Line-Ups
Predicted line-ups
Bafana Bafana (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Mbokazi, Okon, Modiba; Mokoena, Mbatha; Appollis Moremi; Mofokeng; Makgopa
Panama(4-3-3): Mosquera; Blackman, Cordoba, Krug, Miller; Martinez, Davis, Harvey; Yanis, Barcenas, Waterman
Disclaimer: The above line-ups are predictions and may not reflect official team sheets, which are usually released closer to kick-off.
Back the boys as they fine-tune their engine for the world stage in this high-stakes Cape Town showdown. Visit SuperSportBet to take advantage of the 3.50 SuperBoost and explore our custom Bet Builder markets for tonight's match.
