Mosimane faces key striker decision as Bafana Bafana prepare for Guinea qualifier

With Pitso Mosimane’s return to the Bafana Bafana dugout approaching, the identity of his starting striker is the major selection issue before Saturday’s match.

The new coach must choose his attacking focal point without Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster, both of whom will miss the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

Makgopa, who plays for Orlando Pirates, is continuing his recovery from injury and is unavailable for selection. Foster has also been ruled out after completing a loan move from Burnley to Houston Dynamo in the MLS.

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula appears to be the leading candidate to start against Guinea. The striker has scored four goals since returning to Chloorkop, giving him the strongest recent record among Mosimane’s central attacking options.

Mailula’s form has placed him at the front of the queue as the coach prepares for his first Bafana Bafana match on Saturday. His goals have come at a time when Mosimane is required to reshape the attack in the absence of two established options.

However, Yanela Mbuthuma has also strengthened his case for inclusion with a series of impressive performances for Orlando Pirates. The Buccaneers forward’s recent goalscoring form could persuade Mosimane to hand him the starting role instead.

Mbuthuma’s challenge is likely to be considered alongside Mailula’s current momentum as Mosimane settles on his preferred attacking combination. Both players have given the coach evidence that they can lead the line, although Mailula currently has the clearer claim based on his return of four goals.

Iqraam Rayners remains another possibility, despite finding it difficult to maintain his form at Mamelodi Sundowns. The experienced striker has scored one goal so far this season, and his limited rhythm could work against him when the starting XI is selected.

Mosimane will have further attacking options available in support of whoever starts through the middle. Royale Union Saint-Gilloise’s Relebohile Mofokeng and Orlando Pirates’ Oswin Appollis are among the players expected to provide width and forward support.

The coach has an eleven-man forward contingent from which to construct his attack, but the central striking position remains unresolved. With Makgopa injured and Foster unavailable following his move to Houston Dynamo, Mailula, Mbuthuma and Rayners are the principal contenders.

Saturday’s decision will be a significant one as Mosimane begins his second Bafana Bafana debut, with the choice of lead striker now the clearest question surrounding his team.