WeeklySA_AdminREDEMPTION: MOKOENA THRUST INTO CRITICAL ROLE OF INSPIRING SA PAST DOCKED-POINTS SAGA – TO SALVAGE WORLD CUP 2026 QUALIFIER CAMPAIGN…
By Masoja Cele
Bafana Bafana play a crucial FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier match against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban on October 10.
The fixture is a must-win for Hugo Broos’ troopsSouth Africa had three points docked for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho. Mokoena had collected two yellow cards at the time, which disqualified him to play against Lesotho. Before losing three points, South Africa were Group C leaders with 17, and, now with 14 points, are second behind Benin who also have 14 points but lead on goal difference.
Bafana Bafana are fortunate to play the away fixture at home. Initially, The Warriors wanted to play the match in Botswana, however, their wish was turned down as the Zebras have a home fixture against Uganda the day before, on October 9.
Broos’ charges won the corresponding fixture at Peter Mokaba Stadium 2-0. While South Africa is fighting for a place in the 2026 World Cup scheduled to take place in the US, Mexico and Canada, Zimbabwe are rooted at the bottom of Group C with four points. Undoubtedly, the tactical astuteness of young Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi would be key for Bafana. For his part, the young defender has attracted attention for playing his game like a seasoned campaigner – surprisingly, his debut season in the professional ranks.
In the belly of the turf, Broos will most certainly unleash the workaholic Teboho Mokoena while the talented Talent Mbatha readies to destabilise the Warriors midfield.
Upfront, Bafana will look to the UK-based Lyle Foster, who plies his craft at Burnley in the English Premier League, to lead the charge.
This will be while the in-form Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ettifaq Mohau Nkota will dependably marshal Bafana from the deep to add more power to the attack. Having also proven to be a goal scorer of note, he certainly brings an x-factor to the game.
Not to say the The Warriors will be a walk-over for the marauding Bafana. Hardly so, as they will characteristically prove too much to handle and not approach this fixture timidly, keeping to their usual attacking style of football.
As the adage suggests, the last kick of a dying horse is fatal. Although totally out of contention for the US tournament, The Warriors will be in this game to salvage pride, given their lack-lustre campaign so far and arch-rivalry between the two neighbours.
To assist his charges in their quest to redeem themselves, Coach Michael has selected his strongest team for the encounter. Some in the contingent are tried-and-tested old guns who have played in South Africa for teams – like Mamelodi Sundowns (Divine Lunga), Orlando Pirates (Marshall Munetsi and Terrence Dzukamanja) and Kaizer Chiefs (Knowledge Musona, Teenage Hadebe and Khama Billiat).
These players can be lethal on their day. One is Munetsi, who is now on the books of Wolverhampton Wanderers in England and is the most influential player in the Warriors squad. Both their agile goalkeepers Elvis Chipezeze and Washington Arubi are playing in the country, with Chipezeze on the books of Magesi FC and Arubi keeping goals for Marumo Gallants.
