Bafana Bafana player ratings: Oswin Appollis steps up as defensive duo struggles

Several Bafana Bafana players stepped up as Hugo Broos’s side clinched a remarkable 3-2 win against Zimbabwe on Monday night in Morocco, highlighting the team’s resilience and competitive spirit.

The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, blending meticulous control with exhilarating chaos after a handful of Bafana Bafana players underwhelmed.

Here is a look at the three best and three weakest Bafana Bafana performers from the night.

The performers

Oswin Appollis – 8

Appollis delivered a game-changing performance, scoring the late penalty to secure a crucial win and showcasing his growing significance in the national team. This performance enhances his reputation as a key player, reflecting his ability to handle pressure. He demonstrated strong synergy with Aubrey Modiba and Sipho Mbule, and exuded confidence despite not converting every goal-scoring opportunity.

Lyle Foster – 7

Foster’s impactful second-half performance cements his role as a vital cog in the Bafana machine. As the team aims for success on the continental stage, Foster’s dual ability to score and assist makes him an asset the squad can rely on. His fearless approach saw him challenge goalkeeper Washington Arubi, leading to Tshepang Moremi’s opening goal, and he excelled at linking up play with precise passing.

Khuliso Mudau – 7

Mudau showcased immense energy as both a defender and an attacker, excelling in a direct matchup against his clubmate Divine Lunga. He made critical interceptions and displayed strong tackling throughout. Mudau’s dual-threat capability as a right-back highlights his tactical importance, having learned to balance aggressive offensive surges with solid defensive responsibilities.

Those who must pull up their socks

Siyabonga Ngezana – 4

Ngezana was not at his best in defence, and his partnership with rookie Mbekezeli Mbokazi has come under scrutiny. Against Zimbabwe’s mobile attackers, the duo struggled to contain the threat effectively. Coach Hugo Broos has highlighted the central defence’s vulnerabilities, and Ngezana needs to take on a more commanding leadership role to prevent opposing teams from exploiting these gaps.

Sipho Mbule – 4

The man known as the ‘Master Chef’ for his innovative style struggled to cook up anything meaningful. While he asserted his influence in patches, his inability to capitalise on several scoring opportunities detracted from his overall effectiveness. Mbule needs to translate his sporadic potential into measurable outcomes to enhance his team’s performance in pivotal knockout matches.

Sphephelo Sithole – 4

Sithole, usually known for his reliability, struggled to establish any rhythm or cohesion. Broos noted that ‘Yaya’ lost possession several times and made the ruthless decision to replace him at half-time. Sithole’s ill-timed forays into the attack exposed several gaps in South Africa’s defensive setup, creating valuable opportunities for Zimbabwe to exploit on the counter-attack.