Soccermag writers Dylan Johnson and Lukhanyo Gqokoma go head to head with their Bafana XIs ahead of the Group A opener against Mexico at the Azteca.
Dylan’s XI (4-2-3-1)
This is more of an emotional selection, picking a few players that I enjoy watching and would love to see tested against Mexico. This lineup brings a balance of physicality, athleticism and technical ability that should threaten Mexico in the capital.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
There isn’t much to say about his selection. He is the captain and the spine of South Africa’s defence. There may be calls for Pirates stopper Sipho Chaine, but in my opinion, Williams should start in goal.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns) Ime Okon (Hannover 96) Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire) Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
This backline seems set. If Modiba is fit, I cannot see him missing out. Modiba and Mudau are the country’s best fullbacks. Mbokazi is Bafana’s superstar in defence – a non-negotiable for every South African.
Midfielders: Thalenthe Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)
Mokoena is a nailed-on starter. You would be hard pressed to find a predicted lineup without the Sundowns midfield general. Mbatha is an emotional inclusion – there are options that would likely start ahead of him – but he has been one of my favourite players to watch this season. I really enjoy his style of play and his ability to control the middle of the park. Mofokeng is South Africa’s starboy. I would love to see him start – he brings creativity and a goal threat from the middle.
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) Lyle Foster (Burnley) Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Lyle Foster has been a controversial figure up front for some time. A rough season with Burnley and a long goal drought for Bafana brought calls for Makgopa and Rayners to start in his place. Foster has ended his drought, consistently started under Broos and is our biggest name going forward. I have gone with him. Moremi adds a much needed pace threat out wide with a creative edge. Appollis is one of our highest quality players, consistently creating and scoring for Pirates and Bafana. He is one of the first names on the team sheet.
Lukhanyo’s XI (4-3-3)
Bafana Bafana start their World Cup campaign away in Mexico, and this is not a game for risks. At the Estadio Azteca, it is about structure, discipline and moments. Hugo Broos is expected to go with a team built to stay in the game first, then try to hurt Mexico when it opens up.
Goalkeeper: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns)
The Sundowns captain and Bafana leader. Known as one of the calmest heads in South African football, Williams brings authority, vocal organisation, and consistency in big matches. He rarely looks rattled, which will matter in a hostile away atmosphere.
Defenders: Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns) Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates) Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire) Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Mudau has become one of Sundowns’ most reliable defenders, steady and efficient in both phases without needing the spotlight. Sibisi is the organiser from Orlando Pirates, often directing the line when the pressure builds. Mbokazi, known for his aggressive duels and physical presence, adds bite at centre-back and is not shy in contact situations. Modiba, nicknamed the Postman for his delivery, offers balance on the left with his ability to progress play and stay composed under pressure.
Midfielders: Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates) Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) Sphephelo Sithole (CD Tondela)
Mbatha is the engine in midfield, focused on breaking up play and doing the hard running that allows others to play. Mokoena is the main reference point, a Sundowns midfielder with range in his passing and a strike from distance that can change a game quickly. Sithole, based in Portugal with Gil Vicente, adds calmness often keeping things tidy when the tempo rises.
Forwards: Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) Lyle Foster (Burnley) Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates)
Appollis is direct and fearless, always willing to take on defenders and carry the ball forward under pressure. Foster, the Burnley striker, carries the main attacking responsibility and will be expected to lead the line with physical presence and Premier League experience. Moremi, one of Orlando Pirates’ more creative wide players, offers unpredictability and movement, often finding space rather than waiting for it to open.
This is a team built to stay organised and stay alive in the match. If Bafana get anything from Mexico, it will come from discipline, hard work, and taking their moments when they come.
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