How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Kenya in Friday's AFCON Qualifier

Ralph Staniforth

Editor

Last updated: 43 minutes ago

Ralph Staniforth 43 minutes ago

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South Africa's predicted XI includes Ronwen Williams back in goal and Rele Mofokeng as playmaker.
Defensive and wing changes are forced by injuries to Khuliso Mudau and Thapelo Maseko.
Teboho Mokoena is doubtful in midfield, with options available if he is not fit.

Bafana Bafana hope to have Teboho Mokoena fit to start against Kenya on Friday evening (Getty Images).

South Africa face Kenya in qualifying for the 2027 CAF AFCON at 18:00 SAST at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 13 November 2026.
GOALKEEPER
DEFENCE
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
ATTACK

Below you can find the predicted starting XI for Bafana Bafana.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams has recently overcome an injury and is set to start.

Sipho Chaine kept a clean sheet vs Egypt, but will return to the bench.

DEFENCE

The defence is without right back Khuliso Mudau due to long-term injury. Kamogelo Sebelebele is also absent, so Thabang Matuludi will play at right back.

Ime Okon has not been playing much at Hannover 96 so could make way for the returning Mbekezeli Mbokazi at centre back. Olwethu Makhanya is set to partner Mbokazi, with Aubrey Modiba at left back.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena is doubtful for this match due to a knee injury. Sphephelo Sithole is expected to start alongside Mokoena (if fit). Thalente Mbatha, Bathusi Aubaas and Brooklyn Poggenpoel are also options.

Rele Mofokeng will play again as the number ten. He leads the Chances Created leaderboard in the Europa League this season and is the team's new talisman.

ATTACK

Oswin Appollis looks likely to play down the left wing. Thapelo Maseko is ruled out on the right wing. Puso Dithejane and the uncapped Siyanda Ndlovu are fighting to start on the right flank.

In the number nine role, Lyle Foster and Iqraam Rayners are competing to start as the only specialist frontline strikers in the squad.

Predicted lineup in full (4-2-3-1 formation):

Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Thabang Matuludi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela) - Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates) - Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodu Sundowns).

Ralph Staniforth is a South African sports journalist, editor and betting writer who has worked in sports media since 2012.

With a background in Sports Science, he has covered a wide range of sports and interviewed leading players and coaches across South African rugby, cricket and football.

His sports betting work covers both South African and international markets, combining his knowledge of sport with extensive experience analysing fixtures, teams, form and betting markets.

Ralph specialises in football and rugby, while also covering cricket, tennis and golf. His work includes match previews, betting tips, betting guides and broader analysis of the sports betting industry.

You can find more from Ralph at Muckrack and LinkedIn.