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Dingizwe Gwala

Qualified! Bafana Bafana have less pressure as South Africa sealed 2025 Afcon, but Mamelodi Sundowns crew need to step up their game against Uganda & South Sudan

Mamelodi Sundowns form a huge part of Bafana Bafana, but some have been off form. Will they step up in the 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers?

Bafana Bafana have earned the luxury of qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations without even stepping onto the field, thanks to South Sudan's dramatic 3-2 victory over Congo Brazzaville on Thursday afternoon. With this unexpected boost, Bafana now have two matches left - against Uganda on Friday and South Sudan next Tuesday - that are essentially meaningless in terms of qualification.

However, don't expect head coach Hugo Broos to treat these fixtures as mere formalities. Despite the matches being "dead rubbers," Broos will still demand nothing less than professionalism and top-tier performance from his squad. After all, the results will influence Bafana’s Fifa ranking, and maintaining momentum is crucial for future success.

Among the players Broos will rely on are seven members of the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns, a club that has become synonymous with Bafana’s recent success. However, some of these players have faced challenges in finding their best form at the club level, and Broos will be keen to see them hit their stride as they wrap up the already-secured qualification. Join GOAL as we take a look at the recent form and performances of the Masandawana contingent going into these qualifiers.

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  • Iqraam Rayners & Gerald John Takwara, Bafana Bafana vs Zimbabwe, June 2024.Backpagepix

    Iqraam Rayners

    Since he arrived at Sundowns, Iqraam Rayners has been nothing short of sensational. The striker's sharp instincts and clean finishing have made him an indispensable figure at Chloorkop. Not only has he found the back of the net seven times for the club, but he also marked his international breakthrough with a goal for Bafana against Congo Brazzaville.

    With Lyle Foster absent from the squad, Rayners will be vying for the chance to lead the attack alongside on-form Orlando Pirates’ Evidence Makgopa. Who gets the nod from Broos? That’s a decision that will keep us all on edge.

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  • Teboho Mokoena, Bafana Bafana, October 2024Safa

    Teboho Mokoena

    With Bafana securing their qualification, Broos may be tempted to shake things up. Mokoena, who has seen his stock rise and fall at Sundowns due to disciplinary issues, could be in line for more minutes in the upcoming qualifiers.

    Although Downs head coach Manqoba Mngqithi had placed Mokoena on the bench due to his off-field behaviour, the midfielder has proven his worth with a brace against Congo in the last international break. Expect Broos to hand Mokoena a golden opportunity to show his quality and stake a claim for a more prominent role in the national setup.

  • Khuliso Mudau, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Khuliso Mudau

    Khuliso Mudau, once a regular menace down the right wing, has had his fair share of struggles this season. Dropped by Mngqithi at the start of the season, the energetic fullback has slowly worked his way back into the team but hasn't quite hit the heights we’ve come to expect from him.

    Though he’s contributed a couple of goals (two) and an assist in his last six outings, it hasn’t been the same Mudau who terrorized defenders with his pace as a defender himself. However, representing his country may ignite the spark he’s been missing at club level, and Bafana could see a refreshed and dangerous Mudau when the pressure is off.

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  • Ronwen Williams, October 2024GOAL

    Ronwen Williams

    Ronwen Williams' season got off to a rough start, missing out on pre-season and a couple of Bafana games due to a shoulder injury. But now, the Sundowns captain is back to his best, marshalling the defence with his trademark reliability. Williams is arguably one of the few players at Chloorkop who’s been consistently performing at a high level. As Bafana's captain, he’s expected to lead the team in these two games, and his experience and leadership will be crucial as the national team aims to build momentum for the next challenge.

  • Thapelo Morena, Ronwen Williams and Relebohile Mofokeng of South AfricaBackpagepix

    Thapelo Morena

    Thapelo Morena’s role at Sundowns this season has been more of a supporting one, with his usual rival, Mudau, stealing the spotlight at right back. Despite his blistering pace, the former Bloemfontein Celtic winger has found himself on the fringes, starting only two of Sundowns’ last five games.

    He also spent limited time on the pitch during the recent qualifiers against Congo. With competition fierce, Broos may decide to go with Nyiko Mobbie, a regular starter at SuperSport United, ahead of Morena, who has yet to find his best form.

  • Mothobi Mvala

    Mothobi Mvala’s return to action after injury has been a timely one for Sundowns, and he’s swiftly reasserted himself as a solid presence in the heart of their defence. Though still fresh off the injury list, with only five appearances under his belt after missing eight matches, Mvala’s powerful performances have earned him a place in Broos' plans.

    That said, his tendency to make the occasional mistake could be a concern, but there’s no doubt about his potential. Is Mvala sharp enough to feature in Bafana's starting lineup, or will his rustiness cost him a spot?

  • Aubrey Modiba BafanaGetty

    Aubrey Modiba

    Aubrey Modiba stands out as one of South Africa’s most dynamic and adaptable players, capable of thriving in virtually any position on the pitch. Whether deployed as a winger, full-back, or in the heart of midfield, Modiba consistently delivers a committed performance.

    However, even the gifted Modiba has faced challenges in finding his rhythm under the guidance of Mngqithi at Sundowns, often being limited to sporadic appearances and rarely playing full 90-minute matches. Despite this, Modiba remains a key figure in Broos' plans for the national team, and he could be handed the opportunity to feature in both upcoming fixtures. This would not only give him invaluable playing time to build his match fitness, but also serve as a stepping stone before returning to his duties with Sundowns.

  • Bathusi Aubaas, Bafana Bafana vs Congo-Brazzaville, October 2024Backpagepix

    Bathusi Aubaas

    Bathusi Aubaas’ rapid rise at Sundowns this season has been as much about opportunity as it has been about luck. With Mokoena sidelined and Rivaldo Coetzee nursing an injury, Aubaas stepped up when it mattered most, not only for his club but for the national team as well. His performance in the 5-0 drubbing of Congo, which included a goal, earned him praise and a chance to prove his worth at the international level. While his inclusion in the squad was once considered a stroke of luck, Aubaas now has the chance to cement his place as a regular fixture in the Bafana setup, no longer just a backup option.

  • Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Bafana BafanaBackpage

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