Bathusi Aubaas: The Unseen Engine Driving Bafana Bafana

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has once again highlighted the significance of Bathusi Aubaas, the Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, emphasizing his indispensable role in both the national team and his club. At 29, Aubaas has emerged as a vital cog in Broos’ tactical setup, despite not being the flashiest player on the field.

Aubaas’ Unique Role

Broos’ appreciation for Aubaas lies in his physicality and power, qualities that often go unnoticed but are essential for a balanced team. “You know, when you try to build a team, you always try to have complementary players,” Broos explained.

He contrasted Aubaas’ role with that of Teboho Mokoena, another midfield regular. “On one side, you have Teboho, a technical player, good with the ball, maybe a little bit less powerful, but still effective. On the other side, you need a guy who has power, someone who may not be the best player, but who can push the team forward.”

Replacing Sithole’s Presence

Broos acknowledged that the departure of Siphephelo Sithole, who once provided the team’s midfield muscle, created a void. “That’s why we had such a good AFCON in January,” Broos noted, crediting the complementary partnership between Sithole’s power and Mokoena’s technique.

With Sithole no longer in the squad, Aubaas has stepped up to fill that role seamlessly. Broos described Aubaas as a player who might not deliver the final pass but whose physical presence and work rate are invaluable.

A Key Contributor to Success

Aubaas’ physical attributes have been critical in recent Bafana Bafana successes. His ability to break up opposition attacks and drive the team forward has given South Africa an edge in competitive fixtures. Broos pointed to the team’s strong showings against African powerhouses Algeria and Ivory Coast as evidence of how Aubaas’ physicality allows them to compete at the highest level.

“We had that power in our team during the AFCON, and that’s why we got such good results,” Broos remarked.

Consistency with Sundowns and Bafana Bafana

At club level, Aubaas has been a standout performer for Mamelodi Sundowns this season. His combative style and relentless energy in the middle of the park have made him a critical figure in Sundowns’ domestic and continental campaigns.

For Bafana Bafana, his impact was evident in the 3-0 victory over South Sudan during the 2024 AFCON qualifiers. Aubaas’ performance in that match showcased his ability to control the midfield, disrupt opposition play, and contribute to the team’s offensive and defensive transitions.

Looking Ahead to AFCON 2024

As South Africa prepares for AFCON 2024, Aubaas’ role in the squad is more crucial than ever. Broos’ reliance on his physical attributes, consistency, and discipline highlights the midfielder’s importance in the team’s strategy.

While Aubaas may not steal the spotlight with technical brilliance, his contribution as the team’s enforcer ensures that Bafana Bafana can compete against the best in Africa. Broos’ confidence in him underscores the value of players who do the dirty work, laying the foundation for others to shine.

With Aubaas anchoring the midfield, Bafana Bafana will hope to build on their recent success and make a strong statement at AFCON 2024.