South Africa will face Botswana in their second Group A match of the 2024 COSAFA Cup at Isaac Wolfson Stadium on Saturday.
Following a 1-1 draw in their Group A opener against Mozambique, South Africa’s team, led by Helman Mkhalele, is eager to secure their first win in the competition.
The new-look Bafana squad is expected to showcase its potential in Gqeberha, and PSLFIXTURES provides insights into how Mkhalele might structure his team.
Lineup for South Africa vs Botswana National Football Team
Confirmed starting lineups will be out just an hour before the match. But below is the overlook of the key players making the first eleven of the Bafana Bafana.
Prediction For The Starting Lineup for South Africa Against Botswana National Football Team
GOALKEEPER: Mondli Mpoto
Mondli Mpoto is a goalkeeper for Royal AM and the South African national team. He has been selected as one of the three goalkeepers for the 2024 COSAFA Cup. Mpoto has been in good form for his club, helping them to secure promotion to the Premier Soccer League. He will be looking to carry this form into the tournament and help Bafana Bafana to success. Mpoto will face competition from Olwethu Mzimela and Samukelo Xulu for the starting goalkeeper position.
RIGHT-BACK: Thabang Matuludi
Thabang Matuludi is a 25-year-old South African professional footballer who currently plays as a right-back for Polokwane City FC. He was born on January 14, 1999, in South Africa. Matuludi is known for his versatility, as he can also play as a right-winger.
Matuludi was named in the final Bafana selection for the 2024 Cosafa Cup, which will be held in South Africa from June 26 to July 7. He is expected to play a key role in the team’s defense during the tournament.
Matuludi’s strengths include his speed, agility, and ability to read the game. He is also a good tackler and has excellent crossing ability. Matuludi’s experience playing in the South African Premier Soccer League will be an asset to the team.
Overall, Matuludi is a reliable and consistent player who will be an important member of the Bafana Bafana team during the Cosafa Cup.
LEFT-BACK: Gadinkame Modise
Gadinkame Modise is a South African footballer who currently plays for Chippa United. He was born on February 6, 1999, in Mafikeng, North West, South Africa. Modise primarily plays as a left-back, but he can also play as a left midfielder or left-winger.
Modise has been included in the preliminary squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup, which will be held in South Africa from June 26 to July 7. However, it is not yet clear if he will make the final squad for the tournament.
Modise is known for his excellent defensive skills, including his ability to make tackles and interceptions. He is also a good passer of the ball and can help his team to build attacks from the back.
Overall, Modise is a talented young player who has a lot of potential. If he continues to develop his skills, he could become an important player for the South African national team in the future.
CENTRE-BACK: Rushwin Dortley
Rushwin Dortley is a talented centre-back who has been a consistent performer for his club team. He is known for his physicality and aerial ability, which makes him a valuable asset in defense. Dortley is also comfortable on the ball and has good distribution skills, which allows him to start attacks from the back.
In the upcoming match against Botswana in the COSAFA Cup, it is likely that Helman Mkhalele will choose Dortley as one of the starting centre-backs. His experience and skillset make him a strong candidate for the position. Additionally, his partnership with the other centre-back will be crucial in ensuring a solid defense for Bafana Bafana.
Overall, Rushwin Dortley is a reliable and talented centre-back who will be an important player for Bafana Bafana in the upcoming match against Botswana.
CENTRE-BACK: Thabo Moloisane
Thabo Moloisane is a promising young centre-back who has been showing great potential in his recent performances for his club team. He is known for his physicality, aerial ability, and excellent positioning on the field. Moloisane has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming COSAFA Cup and is expected to start in the centre-back position.
Moloisane’s presence in the backline will provide a solid defensive foundation for the team, which will be crucial in the upcoming match against Botswana. He will be tasked with marking Botswana’s key attacking players and preventing them from creating scoring opportunities.
Moloisane’s partnership with the experienced centre-back, Thabang Matuludi, will be key to the team’s success in the tournament. The two players have been working well together in training, and their understanding of each other’s playing styles will be crucial in maintaining a solid defensive line.
Overall, Moloisane’s inclusion in the starting XI will give the team a boost in defense and increase their chances of success in the tournament.
Also, check: Starting Lineup for South Africa vs Mozambique 26/06/2024 COSAFA Cup
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Keanu Cupido
Keanu Cupido is a central midfielder who has been included in the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2024 Cosafa Cup. Cupido is known for his ability to control the midfield and create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also a strong defender and is not afraid to make tackles when necessary.
Cupido has played for several South African clubs, including Cape Town City and Ajax Cape Town. He has also represented South Africa at the youth level and has been praised for his performances in those matches.
Cupido’s inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad is a testament to his talent and hard work. He will be an important player for the team in the upcoming Cosafa Cup matches, and his ability to control the midfield will be crucial to South Africa’s success.
Overall, Cupido is a talented and versatile midfielder who has a bright future ahead of him.
CENTRAL MIDFIELDER: Sinoxolo Kwayiba
Sinoxolo Kwayiba is a talented central midfielder who is expected to be a key player for Bafana Bafana in their upcoming match against Botswana in the COSAFA Cup. Kwayiba is known for his excellent passing ability and his ability to control the tempo of the game. He is also a strong tackler and is not afraid to get stuck in when the team needs him to.
Kwayiba will likely be paired with Kegan Cupido in central midfield, forming a formidable partnership that will be difficult for Botswana to break down. Cupido is a box-to-box midfielder who is equally comfortable defending and attacking, which will allow Kwayiba to focus on his strengths in possession and distribution.
Overall, Kwayiba and Cupido should provide a solid foundation for Bafana Bafana in midfield, and their performance will be key to the team’s success in the COSAFA Cup. With their technical ability and tactical awareness, they have the potential to dominate the midfield and control the game against Botswana.
RIGHT WINGER: Devin Titus
Devin Titus is a talented right winger who has been named in the Bafana Bafana squad for the COSAFA Cup. He is expected to bring his pace and skill to the team’s attack as they take on Botswana.
Titus has been in excellent form for his club team, scoring several goals and providing assists for his teammates. His ability to take on defenders and create scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset for the national team.
In addition to his attacking prowess, Titus is also a hard worker on the defensive end of the field. He is not afraid to track back and help his teammates win the ball, making him a well-rounded player.
Overall, Titus is an exciting young talent who has the potential to make a big impact for Bafana Bafana in the COSAFA Cup. With his speed, skill, and work ethic, he will be a key player to watch on the right wing.
LEFT WINGER: Asanele Velebayi
Asanele Velebayi is a talented left winger who has been named in the Bafana Bafana squad to face Botswana in the Cosafa Cup. He is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s attack and provide support to the strikers.
Velebayi is known for his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has been in excellent form in recent matches and is expected to carry that form into the tournament.
With Helman Mkhalele trying out Lehlohonolo Mojela instead of Thabang Sibanyoni, Velebayi will have an important role to play on the left flank. He will need to use his pace and skill to create chances for the strikers and help the team win the game.
Overall, Velebayi is a key player in the Bafana Bafana squad and is expected to make a significant impact in the Cosafa Cup.
ATTACKING MIDFIELDER: Ethan Brooks
Ethan Brooks is a rising star in the South African football scene. He currently plays for TS Galaxy and has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup. Brooks is known for his skill on the ball and his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is a versatile player who can play in multiple positions, including attacking midfielder, winger, and forward.
Brooks’ inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has been a standout performer for TS Galaxy in the South African Premier Division, and his performances have not gone unnoticed by the national team selectors.
In the upcoming COSAFA Cup, Brooks is expected to play a key role in the Bafana Bafana midfield. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game and create scoring opportunities will be crucial to the team’s success. Brooks will be looking to impress on the international stage and cement his place in the Bafana Bafana squad for future tournaments.
Overall, Ethan Brooks is a talented attacking midfielder who has the potential to become a star for both club and country. His inclusion in the Bafana Bafana squad is well-deserved, and he will be looking to make a big impact in the upcoming COSAFA Cup.
CENTRE-FORWARD: Lehlohonolo Mojela
Lehlohonolo Mojela is a promising centre-forward who has been selected by Helman Mkhalele to play for Bafana Bafana in the upcoming COSAFA Cup match against Botswana. Mojela is expected to replace Thabang Sibanyoni, who has been struggling with an injury.
Mojela has been in impressive form for his club, scoring five goals in his last six matches. He is known for his speed, agility, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He is also a strong finisher, with a keen eye for goal.
Mkhalele is hoping that Mojela’s inclusion in the team will help Bafana Bafana secure a victory against Botswana. If Mojela can replicate his club form on the international stage, he could become a key player for the national team in the future.
Here is a brief summary of Mojela’s key strengths:
- Speed and agility
- Ability to create scoring opportunities
- Strong finishing skills
With these qualities, Mojela could prove to be a valuable asset for Bafana Bafana in the upcoming match.