Who’s hot and who’s not? Club form fuels South Africa’s World Cup selection debate

South Africa’s road to the upcoming global showpiece has already begun to stir debate, with club performances quickly becoming the defining metric for who makes the final squad.

Following Bafana Bafana’s early Africa Cup of Nations exit in January, attention has shifted to how players are performing for their clubs and whether they are doing enough to convince head coach Hugo Broos they deserve a ticket to the World Cup.

Broos has consistently emphasised one key principle during his tenure: regular playing time matters. Players struggling for minutes at club level often fall down the pecking order, regardless of reputation or past contributions.

With that policy firmly in place, several members of the AFCON squad now face crucial weeks ahead as they attempt to maintain their standing or force their way back into contention.

The upcoming international friendlies against Panama in Durban on March 27 and in Cape Town on March 31 could offer the clearest insight yet into the coach’s thinking. Those matches will likely serve as an informal audition for players hoping to secure their place in the final squad.

Players strengthening their claims

A number of players have emerged from the post-AFCON period with their reputations enhanced. Among them is Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, who has continued his excellent form in the Betway Premiership. The dynamic attacker has been among the league’s most influential performers, regularly contributing goals and assists while providing the creativity Bafana Bafana often rely on in wide areas. If his current trajectory continues, he appears certain to be among the first names on Broos’ squad list.

Another player whose form has provided reassurance is Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena. The box-to-box engine remains central to both club and country, delivering consistent performances and even adding goals to his game. His ability to control midfield tempo while contributing defensively and offensively makes him indispensable to Broos’ system.

Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams remains equally vital. The Sundowns captain continues to lead by example with strong displays between the posts while also offering leadership and composure. His distribution has become a key element of South Africa’s attacking transitions, often launching quick forward moves from the back.

Relebohile Mofokeng has also reasserted himself after a slow start to the season. The Orlando Pirates playmaker has returned to top form, orchestrating attacks, scoring goals and supplying assists. At just 21, he is increasingly viewed as the most natural option to operate behind the strikers, particularly given uncertainty surrounding other candidates for that role.

Elsewhere, Khuliso Mudau has maintained his status as the first-choice right-back at Sundowns, delivering steady performances that make him difficult to displace. Similarly, Thalente Mbatha continues to play an important role for Pirates when fit, while left-back Aubrey Modiba has regained his starting spot at Sundowns after briefly losing it to youngster Thato Sibiya.

Players facing uncertainty

While several players are thriving, others face growing questions over their international prospects due to limited playing time.

Bathusi Aubaas is among those whose situation has become complicated. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder has managed only 45 minutes of action since South Africa’s AFCON defeat to Cameroon. That lack of involvement could prove costly given Broos’ well-documented preference for players who are regularly involved at club level.

Another major concern surrounds Sipho Mbule. Once seen as a potential successor to veteran playmaker Themba Zwane in the advanced midfield role, Mbule has played only 50 minutes across two substitute appearances since the continental tournament. Without significant game time in the coming months, his chances of making the World Cup squad could fade rapidly.

Evidence Makgopa also faces pressure to reclaim a regular starting role at Orlando Pirates. The striker has lost his place to Yanela Mbuthuma and has started only a handful of matches since AFCON. Although he did find the net as a substitute in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs, Broos would ideally prefer his centre-forward to be playing consistently.

Defensive uncertainty has also emerged around Siyabonga Ngezana. The FCSB centre-back has not featured since late January due to injury concerns and is only expected to return to action in early April. Given that he was South Africa’s first-choice central defender during AFCON, his fitness will be closely monitored.

Overseas players and emerging contenders

Some overseas-based players remain difficult to judge due to circumstances beyond their control. Samukele Kabini, for instance, has not been active since AFCON simply because the Norwegian league season has yet to begin. If he returns as a regular starter for Molde once the campaign begins, Broos is unlikely to view his inactivity as a major issue.

Major League Soccer defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, meanwhile, has made a promising start at Chicago Fire. Having quickly secured a place in the starting lineup, he appears well positioned to strengthen his international credentials in the months ahead.

Lyle Foster’s situation in England is more complex. The Burnley striker has been in and out of the team while also dealing with injury setbacks. Nevertheless, he has shown flashes of his quality, including a goal in a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. Despite the inconsistency at club level, Foster remains the most likely candidate to spearhead South Africa’s attack at the World Cup.

Young prospects such as Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith appear to be longer-term investments. Campbell has been receiving limited minutes at Club Brugge, including appearances in the Champions League, but has yet to earn his first senior cap. Smith continues to feature primarily for Queens Park Rangers’ Under-21 side, making a World Cup call-up unlikely at this stage.

The final audition

Several other squad members remain firmly in contention. Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine continues to perform reliably and looks set to retain his role as Williams’ deputy. Ricardo Goss has also maintained his status as a dependable option, while competition from Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brandon Petersen adds intrigue to the battle for the third spot.

Meanwhile, players such as Tshepang Moremi, Elias Mokwana and Mohau Nkota remain on the fringes but have accumulated enough minutes to stay within the selection conversation.