Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana hopefuls ready to make their mark

Pitso Mosimane is shaping a new era for Bafana Bafana by combining established players with a group of newcomers and returning internationals.

The coach’s preliminary squad for this month’s two AFCON qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, together with next month’s international friendly, reflects an attempt to build on the team’s recent success while introducing fresh options.

Bafana Bafana’s regular players have already demonstrated their individual and collective quality by helping the side reach a historic FIFA World Cup knockout stage. The latest group of prospects will now hope their particular strengths are enough to earn them a place in Mosimane’s final squad.

Yanela Mbuthuma offers an option capable of contributing throughout the pitch. The box-to-box striker can hold up the ball, create opportunities for teammates and finish inside the penalty area. He has also shown considerable energy in his past two matches, supplying assists during counter-attacking moves.

Cemran Dansin brings creativity to midfield. He is effective at finding space between opponents and can add movement to the centre of the pitch. Dansin is also comfortable dictating the tempo and has an eye for goal, having won the Betway Premiership Goal of the Season award last campaign.

At left-back, Tshepo Mashiloane is assured in possession and able to cover the flank repeatedly. He regularly finds useful attacking positions to support his side and offers an additional threat in the air because of his height.

Puso Dithejane is another player capable of providing width and energy. The winger has developed significantly during his time with Chicago Fire this season and is comfortable delivering passes, exploiting space and contributing both goals and assists.

Shandre Campbell’s greatest strengths are his direct running and ability to beat defenders. The dynamic winger can cut inside on his left foot and shoot from distance, while his capacity to operate in several positions gives him tactical versatility.

Lebone Seema enters the group after being named Betway Premiership Defender of the Season last campaign. His recognition followed a series of performances marked by intelligent reading of the game, well-timed challenges and accurate diagonal passing. He also offers leadership in defence.

Tashreeq Matthews has developed a mature approach to his football. He is capable of moving between the lines, picking out teammates with accuracy and finding the net. His slim build also contributes to his speed, both when carrying the ball and when making runs without it.

Ronaldo Van Neel provides pace and confidence in one-on-one situations. He can run directly at defenders and give teammates more options when his side has possession. His use of trickery allows him to evade markers and create space.

Lebohang Maboe is viewed as a key link between defence and attack. The midfielder can keep play moving with short passes or switch the ball over longer distances. His recent first goal of the season for Kaizer Chiefs should provide an additional lift.

Luther Singh’s ability to play in several attacking positions makes him difficult for opponents to predict. He is a highly dynamic player with a consistent appetite for goals, qualities that could offer Bafana Bafana another attacking solution.

Fawaaz Basadien is an attacking-minded left-back who can advance quickly and use his footwork to combine with teammates. His ability to identify and exploit open spaces also allows him to become a threat in forward areas.

Cassius Mailula is highly accomplished with the ball at his feet. He can glide past markers, find pockets of space and finish from either close range or distance, underlining his desire to score.

Brooklyn Poggenpoel offers control in midfield. He can set the pace of a match, support the defence and provide balance to both sides of the team. His ability on and off the ball gives the defensive and attacking units greater security.