South Africa vs Ghana: Bafana Bafana Starting XI prediction – 6 September 2021

Bafana Bafana starting XI prediction: South Africa got their Fifa World Cup qualifying campaign off to a sluggish start against Zimbabwe but can steal a march on group leaders Ghana on Monday evening.

In the match against Zimbabwe, South Africa were well organised but lacked creativity and execution in the final third.

Centre forward Evidence Makgopa and star man Percy Tau have caught the flak for that performance and while the latter might be safe the former already needs to worry about his place.

Bafana Bafana Starting XI prediction

Skipper Ronwen Williams will definitely start in goal for South Africa having dealt with the limited threat posed by Zimbabwe. He can expect to have a busier evening against the Black Stars though.

In front of Williams, Hugo Broos is unlikely to try and fix what isn’t broken, with Siyanda Xulu and Rushine de Reuck showing great promise as a centre back pairing.

Rushine De Reuck of South Africa during the 2021 COSAFA Cup match between South Africa and Eswatini at Nelson Isaac Wolfson Stadium, Port Elizabeth, on 08 July 2021 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

On the flanks Nyiko Mobbie could be in danger of losing his place in favour of someone that offers a bit more going forward, with in-form Sibusiso Mabiliso in the squad.

The central midfield pairing of Mothobi Mvala and Teboho Mokoena is also a promising combination and could ignite further links between Mokoena and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos will need to establish a better link between the midfield and the attack to supply their goal threats with the kind of ball they need. We should see Bongokuhle Hlongwane get a chance from the start ahead of Gift Links.

Percy Tau of South Africa during the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Zimbabwe and South Africa at National Sports Stadium, Harare, Zimbabwe on 03 September 2021 © Liberty Mugari/BackpagePix

Broos has made it clear that he doesn’t expect Tau to be at his absolute best given his lack of football, but he should still start ahead of the likes of Sipho Mbule.

A lack of attacking alternatives is likely to see Makgopa lead the line again, however Luther Singh is likely to be replaced by Victor Letsoala on the left.

Bafana Bafana starting XI

Predicted Bafana Bafana Starting XI: Ronwen Williams; Sibusiso Mabiliso, Rushine de Reuck, Siyanda Xulu, Thapelo Morena; Mothobi Mvala, Teboho Mokoena, Bongokuhle Hlongwane, Percy Tau, Sepana Letsoalo, Evidence Makgopa.

Confirmed Starting XI: TBA on Monday 6 September

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