TFGSoccerClub writer DYLAN APPOLIS takes a look at five players who could help Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Lebohang Maboe
Maboe could prove to be a key performer for Bafana in their final group stage gam,e following his good run of form for Mamelodi Sundowns across all competitions.
The 24-year-old has already managed to bag a total of nine goals and assisted a further seven from 39 appearances so far this campaign.
If he can replicate his club form for the national team, Bafana’s chances of qualifying for the Afcon would surely increase.
Thembinkosi Lorch
The Orlando Pirates attacker has been in fine form for the Buccaneers under head coach Milutin Sredojevic this season.
He has played a crucial role in their Absa Premiership title bid, having already scored 11 goals and created four, while featuring 34 times for the Sea Robbers.
His overall form this campaign could benefit South Africa if coach Stuart Baxter names him in his startling lineup.
Daniel Cardoso
The 29-year-old has been one of Kaizer Chiefs’ standout players this season, which has prompted Baxter to include him in his 24-man Afcon squad.
The Gauteng-born defender has already found the back of the net three times for Amakhosi this campaign, while featuring 26 times for the Soweto giants.
Although Cardoso faces stiff competition for a place in Sunday’s Bafana team, as he is set to compete against the likes of captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Buhle Mkhwanazi and Rivaldo Coetzee. However, with his current form he will surely be a contender to start for the national team.
Kamohelo Mokotjo
The 27-year-old has played in three out of five Afcon qualifying matches, whiling missing their last game against Nigeria through injury.
Having recently rediscovered his form in the English Championship with Brentford, Baxter will surely consider Mokotjo in his starting XI.
Mokotjo has featured in most of Brentford’s last eight league encounters of late, in which they have claimed six wins.
The in-form midfielder has managed to find the back of the net three times in his last eight league matches, while playing a starring role in his side’s 3-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers in their last league fixture.
Lars Veldwijk
Lars Veldwijk hasn’t donned the Bafana jersey since 2017 under then-coach Owen da Gama, who was the national team’s caretaker coach following the departure of Shakes Mashaba.
The lanky striker, however, has been enjoying a good run of form in front of goal for Dutch second tier side Sparta Rotterdam, which has earned him a recall to the national team setup.
Veldwjik managed to bag 17 goals for the side from the Netherlands and has created a further five goals from 30 appearances across all competitions for the Dutch second tier outfit.
The Bafana head coach will see him as an option to start in front of goal, but he faces stiff competition for a starting berth from former Mamelodi Sundowns star Percy Tau.
