On Tuesday, Bafana Bafana look to take another step forward in their quest to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place in Qatar.
To Win Match
South Africa 4/10
Draw 29/10
Ethiopia 7/1
The difference between this encounter and the previous three qualifiers will be the return of fans at the FNB Stadium this evening.
After the Cogta Ministry’s approval, a total of 2000 vaccinated fans will be allowed entry to see a much-rejuvenated Bafana Bafana in action. Since the appointment of Hugo Broos, plenty of questions were raised around the Belgian, but since seeing his side in action, all negativity has diminished with South Africa now being a united football nation again.
Broos has made bold decisions, which haven’t always been popular with the locals, but the results have justified why the Bafana Bafana boss has been given the task of taking South African football to where it needs to be on the international stage.
For starters, appointing Ronwen Williams as the captain of the national team, whilst opting for a more youthful squad. Broos has pressed the reset button and it has certainly paid off thus far.
After three matches, Bafana Bafana sit atop Group G, ahead of Ghana, Zimbabwe and tonight’s opponents, Ethiopia. Broos’ men are unbeaten from those ties – the only nation in the group yet to lose – while the rest of the fixtures seem fairly favourable.
Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Evidence Makgopa have been the bright young talents in attack, while Thabiso Kutumela comes with loads of experience and is certainly there on merit.
Siyanda Xulu and Rushine De Reuck should keep their place in the heart of defence, while midfield general, Mothobi Mvala, anchors the engine room.
After finding some comfort in the victory over Ethiopia, Bafana Bafana have qualification in their hands.
Full squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu), Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs).
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United FC), Rushine De Reuck (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyanda Xulu (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Luke Fleurs (SuperSport United), Njabula Ngcobo (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Hlanti (Kaizer Chiefs), Terence Mashego (Cape Town City).
Midfielders: Njabulo Blom (Kaizer Chiefs), Mothobi Mvala (Mamelodi Sundowns), Teboho Mokwena (SuperSport United), Yusuf Maart (Sekhukune United), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Thabani Zuke (Golden Arrows), Jesse Donn (SuperSport United).
Forwards: Evidence Makgopa (Baroka), Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM) Thabiso Kutumela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongokhule Hlongwane (Maritzburg United), Vincent Pule (Orlando Pirates), Tshegofatso Mabasa (Orlando Pirates).
Verdict: Bafana Bafana to win (4/10)
These words don’t come too often when Bafana Bafana step foot onto the field, but after impressing so far under Broos, going against South Africa almost seems unsensible. The price doesn’t offer much value, but it can be considered as close to a certainty as you’re likely to get.
