This could be the new normal – a time where Bafana Bafana are all but expected to qualify for all major tournaments in the land. And, boy, they’ve already made their availability for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations known, as they are a win away from reaching the Morocco finals.
After having mopped the floor with Congo-Brazzaville in the first leg of the back-to-back qualifiers, winning 5-0, they are expected to reach the promised land in Brazzaville tonight (6pm kick-off).
However, that’s easier said than done. Coach Hugo Broos knows that the Red Devils will be out for vengeance. Here, MIHLALI BALEKA looks at three players who must rise to the occasion today.
TEBOHO MOKOENA – MIDFIELDER
Mokoena was Bafana’s main man in the first leg against Congo-Brazzaville at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Friday, scoring a brace. And while both goals were interrupted by referee Beida Dahane, who suspended play after both goals due to pitch invasions, Mokoena remained the man of the hour.
Mokoena’s brace didn’t only bring Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to a standstill, but it sent a message to Mamelodi Sundowns’ head coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who’s been sidelining him.
Mokoena hasn’t played for the league champions in any of the Betway Premiership games to the shock of the masses, with Mngqithi insisting competition in his team and for the position was too high. The hard yards for Mokoena, and the team will continue tonight and he must prove, to not only himself, but also Mngqithi and Broos, that he’s one of the best players on the continent.
RONWEN WILLIAMS – GOALKEEPER
Williams is the best goalkeeper on the continent. And that’s not by chance – he’s worked his way up the ladder to become not only Bafana’s No 1, but the team captain, too.
He led by example in Afcon earlier this year, guiding Bafana to a third-place finish – their first podium finish in two decades. Despite his heroics in the premier continental competition, which saw him nominated for the Yachine Ballon d’or award after saving five penalties in a major tournament, Wiilliams remained humbled.
The 32-year-old made a commanding return between the sticks in the first leg against Congo-Brazzaville, after a lengthy injury, keeping a clean sheet in front of a packed Nelson Mandela Bay crowd.
Another clean sheet for Williams tonight, leading to a Bafana win, will not only cement the team’s spot in back-to-back Afcon showpiece events, but William as one of the best captains to lead the Bafana team.
IQRAAM RAYNERS – STRIKER
Rayners is fast looking the part in South African football. He has been scoring goals for both new club Mamelodi Sundowns and the national team.
Rayners was once regarded as a reject, failing to stamp his authority in SA football and in Gauteng following his move from Stellenbosch and SuperSport United. But following his return to the Winelands-based side, Rayners found his feet again – losing out on the Betway Premiership top goal scorer award last season by one goal.
He didn’t let that get to him, though. He fought his way into being one of the best talismen in the league and Bafana set-up. And with Foster having been stretched off in the last game due an injury, chances are rife that Rayners will lead the line against the Reds. Coach Hugo Broos said he back the latter completely.