Bafana Bafana International Based Starting XI
Many loyal Bafana Bafana fans believe that the key to building a strong national team is relinquishing favour to PSL players and give preference to players in more competitive leagues abroad. Although form is always a key factor when selecting players for international duty, many believe that our national head coach should look at players who strut their stuff in Europe and avoid selecting PSL players.
No one is claiming that PSL players shouldn’t be considered at all, many believe that local players become comfortable, lackadaisical and rest on their laurels when they’re confident that their place in the senior squad is cemented, irrespective of whether international players are performing better or not.
With this in mind, we attempted to build a prospective Bafana Bafana starting XI comprised solely of South Africans playing in international leagues.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Darren Keet
Right-Back: Anele Ngconga
Centre-Back: Siyanda Xulu
Centre-Back: Siphelele Sithole
Left-Back: Kgosi Ntlhe
Central Defensive Midfielder: Kamohelo Mokotjo
Midfielder: Thulani Serero
Midfielder: Bongani Zungu
Left-Wing: Keegan Dolly
Right-Wing: Percy Tau
Striker: Lebohang Mothiba/ Lyle Foster
Agreed, it’s not the most experienced international outfit you’ll ever find, but it would surely be interesting to witness a Bafana Bafana performance comprised solely of international players.
Many believe that this approach will bring back the national teams most successful times, winning the AFCON in 1996 and qualifying for successive FIFA World Cups in 1998 and 2002.
