Head coach Broos favours the very popular 4-3-2-1 formation, and he used a very consistent backline up until and including the loss to Cameroon at AFCON.
Khuliso Mudau, another Mamelodi Sundowns man, has regularly been deployed at right-back for his nation. The 30-cap international is another experienced head in the Bafana Bafana camp, and will help keep emotions from running too high in the build-up to the World Cup.
Siyabonga Ngezana is one of the few players to venture away from Africa, with the 28-year-old currently playing his football at FCSB in Romania. He has picked up some valuable minutes in the Europa League this season and is one to watch during this summer’s tournament, as is youngster Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was trusted by his manager to play a key role at AFCON. He will likely get the nod alongside Ngezana once more.
At left-back, Samukelo Kabini has emerged as a star at Molde, but will fight for his place alongside Aubrey Maphosa Modiba. Tylon Smith is another player to watch, with the central defender on the path up in England, currently playing for Queens Park Rangers.
| Player | Club |
|---|---|
| Siyabonga Ngezana | FCSB |
| Mbekezeli Mbokazi | Chicago Fire |
| Khulumani Ndamane | Mamelodi Sundowns FC |
| Thabo Moloisane | Stellenbosch FC |
| Tylon Smith | Queens Park Rangers |
| Samukele Kabini | Molde FK |
| Aubrey Modiba | Mamelodi Sundowns FC |
| Khuliso Mudau | Mamelodi Sundowns FC |
| Thabang Matuludi | Polokwane City FC |
| Gift Links | Aarhus GF |
| Ime Okon | Hannover 96 |
| Olwethu Makhanya | Philadelphia Union |
