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Mofokeng, Broos & Mbokazi, GFX GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezeli Mbokazi & Oswin Appollis all set for big roles ahead in Bafana Bafana's ties against Tanzania & Mozambique - Hugo Broos' tactics to be tested without Mamelodi Sundowns stars!

GOAL goes through Hugo Broos' new look Bafana Bafana outfit that will take on Tanzania and Mozambique in crunch friendlies. What to expect?

Bafana Bafana are gearing up for back-to-back international friendlies as they take on Mozambique and Tanzania, with the first clash set for this Friday at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. While these may be classified as friendlies, there’s nothing casual about the stakes, not when the national team is undergoing a quiet but significant transformation. South Africa head coach Hugo Broos is fielding a refreshed, experimental squad that blends familiar faces with fringe players eager to make a lasting impression.

With Mamelodi Sundowns’ stars unavailable due to their Club World Cup commitments, Broos has had to look beyond his usual core — and that may be a blessing in disguise. It’s a rare window for emerging talent to stake a claim in the national setup, and for Broos to fine-tune his tactical options ahead of bigger challenges. In this piece, GOAL unpacks what to expect from this new-look Bafana side and who might seize their moment on the international stage.

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  • Hugo Broos, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    Dress Rehearsal

    With Sundowns' stars still on continental duty, many regulars in the national team have temporarily stepped aside, opening the door for a new wave of talent. Coach Broos is making the most of this window, using the opportunity to evaluate a broader pool of players. While some might view this as a stopgap measure, it's clear that Broos has long-term intentions in mind. The current squad, bolstered by players who’ve featured in the Cosafa Cup, isn’t just filling gaps — they’re auditioning for permanent roles. This could be the emergence of a ‘Bafana-B’ that shapes the future of South African football.

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  • Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Tapelo Xoki, Orlando PiratesBackpage

    Sibisi and Mbokazi: Defensive duo in focus

    Broos has named Orlando Pirates defender Nkosinathi Sibisi as captain — a move that signals both trust and responsibility. Sibisi is no stranger to international duty, and now he’ll likely anchor the defense alongside club teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Their chemistry at Pirates could give Bafana a solid defensive backbone, and all signs point to the pair starting together. Expect a familiar partnership to take centre stage at the back.

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Bafana Bafana, March 2025Backpagepix

    Mofokeng’s Moment

    With Themba Zwane absent and Percy Tau out of form, all eyes are on Relebohile Mofokeng to orchestrate the attack. Arguably the most gifted attacker in this makeshift squad, Mofokeng is expected to take up the No.10 role — and potentially the future mantle that Tau once held. He’ll have Patrick Maswanganyi alongside him, and together, they'll shoulder the responsibility of crafting chances and unlocking defenses. This is a golden chance for Mofokeng to impress and earn his third Bafana start — on his own terms, without the shadow of the usual stars.

  • Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, May 2025Backpage

    Piecing together the front line

    With Evidence Makgopa sidelined by injury, Broos has turned to Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido to lead the line. The question now is who flanks him. Oswin Appollis is almost a certainty, having impressed in recent outings. But what about Mohau Nkota? Will Broos deploy Appollis on the right and Mofokeng behind the striker, leaving the left open for ‘Tito’? These are the selection puzzles Broos must solve. One thing is clear — the competition for attacking spots is fierce, and the coach’s decision here could shape the match’s outcome.

  • Hugo Broos, South Africa, May 2025Backpage

    A test of Broos’ tactical flexibility

    This may be the most experimental version of Bafana we’ve seen in recent times, and it offers a glimpse into Broos’ adaptability. At 73, the veteran coach, who plans to retire post the 2026 Fifa World Cup, finds himself tasked with molding a competitive side from a patchwork squad. But make no mistake — the stakes are high. These friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique are more than just warm-ups; they’re crucial for South Africa’s Fifa rankings, where Bafana sit 10th in Africa and 5th in the world. Wins here would boost morale and positioning alike.

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