Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction: Zimbabwe vs South Africa 3 September

Bafana Bafana kick off their Fifa World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign against Zimbabwe in Harare on Friday 3 September.

Here we predict how Bafana Bafana could line up against their neighbours and rivals, who are without several regulars based in England.

Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction

Having been named captain it is something of a foregone conclusion that Ronwen Williams will start in goal for Bafana Bafana against Zimbabwe.

There are indications that Hugo Broos will trial a new centre back pairing with Siyanda Xulu set to partner debutant Rushine de Reuck at the heart of the defence.

Spain’s Defender Raul Albiol (C) looks on as South Africa Defender Siyanda Xulu (R) clears the ball during a friendly football match South Africa vs Spain at the Soccer City Stadium in Soweto on November 19, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ALEXANDER JOE (Photo credit should read ALEXANDER JOE/AFP via Getty Images)

Broos has indicated that he will blend youth and experience and looks set to play the balancing act on either flank of the back four.

Mamelodi Sundowns stalwart Thapelo Morena should be patrolling the right back channel while Austin Dube’s form in the Cosafa Cup trophy win should have sealed a place for him on the big stage. Sibusiso Mabiliso probably hasn’t played enough football this season to be considered, and Morena should shade his Sundowns teammate Sydney Mobbie.

MATSUMOTO, JAPAN – JUNE 29: Shinya Yajima (L) of Japan competes for the ball against Thapelo Morena (C) and Gift Motupa (R) of South Africa during the U-23 international friendly match between Japan and South Africa at the Matsumotodaira Football Stadium on June 29, 2016 in Matsumoto, Nagano, Japan. (Photo by Atsushi Tomura/Getty Images)

In midfield, Teboho Mokoena is fast becoming South Africa’s mister reliable and the SuperSport United star should anchor Bafana’s efforts in the middle of the park.

Siyethemba Sithebe put in the hard yards to set up South Africa’s Cosafa Cup triumph, and despite his absence from the technical area during the event, Broos should reward his efforts in being named as the player of the tournament.

In the number 10 role, Sipho Mbule has the chance to step up to the next level and show that he has the flair and technique to lead the next generation of Bafana Bafana stars.

CHOFU, JAPAN – JULY 22: Evidence Makgopa #9 of Team South Africa controls the ball whilst under pressure from Kou Itakura #4 of Team Japan during the Men’s First Round Group A match between Japan and South Africa during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Tokyo Stadium on July 22, 2021 in Chofu, Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Broos is expected to use Percy Tau in a wide role on the left side of a three-pronged attack. Evidence Makgopa should be given an opportunity to build on the excellent start he has made to his career as an international centre forward. Former Maritzburg United star Thabiso Kutumela should complete the strikeforce.

Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Team news

Bafana Bafana starting XI (predicted): Ronwen Williams, Austin Dube, Siyanda Xulu, Rushine de Reuck, Thapelo Morena, Teboho Mokoena, Siyethembe Sithebe, Sipho Mbule, Percy Tau, Evidence Makgopa, Thabiso Kutumela.

Broos’ Bafana Bafana approach called into question