Mahlangu urges Mosimane to find a new creative No 10 for Bafana Bafana

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Jabu Mahlangu says head coach Pitso Mosimane must urgently address the shortage of natural playmakers in the national team.

Speaking on SABC’s SoccerZone after Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 victory over Egypt, Mahlangu questioned the depth available in the No 10 position, particularly with regular options Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis rested.

Luther Singh was given the starting role in the advanced midfield position, but Mahlangu believes the performance highlighted the need for South Africa to develop more players capable of controlling matches from behind the striker.

“I think with the 10 role, we need to focus; we need to zoom in on it. We need other players. We need to produce other 10s,” said Mahlangu, who was known as ‘Shuffle’ during his playing career.

“Because if Rele gets injured or, let’s say maybe Mshishi is not at his best, we have a problem.

“Today (Sunday) we saw that Singh is a versatile player, but for a number 10, I don’t think he is that clever to play that position. That position needs a very very clever player that will be able to connect.”

Mahlangu added: “So that’s where we lacked a bit. It showed us that we need to start building and finding number 10s.”

A long-standing Bafana Bafana concern

The creative midfield role has been a persistent problem for the national side. Former coach Hugo Broos previously recalled Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Themba Zwane to the squad despite his advancing age in an effort to provide greater creativity.

Bafana Bafana have also tested several other solutions in recent years. Percy Tau has been used in a central role, while domestic options such as Sipho Mbule have been considered. Teboho Mokoena has also been moved further forward to contribute in an attacking midfield position.

Mahlangu’s comments point to a wider issue in South African football, where midfielders able to dictate play and consistently create opportunities remain difficult to find.

Mosimane will soon have limited time to work on any tactical changes, with Bafana Bafana’s focus returning to competitive football in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

South Africa’s next match is at home against Kenya, the first of two consecutive fixtures against the East African side next month.