The Future of Bafana Bafana: 5 Players To Watch
Diski Analytica is a Football blog written by Hansley Jugar, a data analyst in a love/hate relationship with South African football.
Bafana Bafana have officially been knocked out off AFCON 2019. They surprised many by reaching the quarter-finals but we should not kid ourselves, they were never favorites to make the final, let alone win the entire thing.
Now comes the big shake-up. A new coach will likely be hired but will we continue to see the same faces making up the national set up? There were a handful of players that impressed at the tournament, but with an average squad age of 28, younger players will need to be brought in.
In this blog, I profile five players that were not part of the national team at this year’s AFCON but would add youthful exuberance and genuine quality.
All the data used has been sourced from whoscored.com and transfermarkt.com
Aubrey Modiba
One of the shock exclusions from the final AFCON squad. Modiba had another stellar season providing the most assists in the PSL while also continuing to show his flexibility by filling in astutely at left-back when needed.He has delivered at SuperSport and given the current lack of width and creativity in the national team, he should be a definite pick.
Sibusiso Mabiliso
Followers of this blog will know that I am a huge fan of Mabiliso (20). Mabiliso has made the left-back spot his own at Amazulu. With 42 first-team appearances already under his belt, he is one of the best talents in the PSL. His influence in attack will need improvement, especially when compared to other left-backs in the league but he will only get better with experience.
Mothobi Mvala
Mothobi Mvala (25) has more than made up for being the oldest player on this list and having a late start to his professional career. A natural leader and goal-scoring presence in the middle of the pitch, he differentiates himself from the current group of midfielders in the national team.
Rushine de Reuck
South Africa has been blessed with terrific centre-backs over the years (e.g. Lucas Radebe, Aaron Mokoena, Bongani Khumalo and Thulani Hlatshwayo), but there has been a lack of young talent getting regular playing time in the PSL. Motjeka Madisha, Kwanda Mngonyama and Rivaldo Coetzee have had promising and equally frustrating careers so far. Rushine de Reuck on the other hand has had consistent and encouraging playing time at Maritzburg United. He has played the most minutes of any centre-back younger than 24 and did no harm to his growing reputation even though his team had an almost disastrous season.
Luther Singh
Luther Singh is a diamond in the rough. He has good dribbling ability (he had the fourth highest amount of successful dribbles in the Portuguese Primeria Liga) but is often let down by his decision making. Suggestions are that he will spend the upcoming season as a member of the Braga first team given his exploits on loan last season and this will surely aid his development. Potentially playing in the Europa League and with teammates of a higher level will hopefully see more consistency and an increase in his attacking output. He definitely has the talent and ability.
Other Players knocking on the door
- Teboho Mokoena
- Lebogang Phiri
- Lyle Foster
- Gift Links
- Liam Jordan
- Nicholas Motloung
- Thabo Nodada
- Siyabonga Ngezana
