How South Africa Could Line Up - Predicted XI to face Egypt as Sundowns Trio Miss Out

John Eastwood

Editor

Last updated: 03 Oct 2026

John Eastwood 03 Oct 2026

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Several key SA players are out due to injuries, forcing squad rotation.
Sipho Chaine likely starts in goal, and Tashreeq Matthews could debut.
Coach Mosimane set to use a 4-2-3-1 formation with fresh faces.

Sphephelo Sithole will play in midfield as Teboho Mokoena misses out (Getty Images).

South Africa facese Egypt in an international friendly at 20:00 SAST on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
GOALKEEPER
DEFENCE
CENTRAL MIDFIELD
ATTACK

Below you can find the predicted starting XI from coach Pitso Mosimane to face the Pharaohs.

GOALKEEPER

Ronwen Williams is the number one and his country's captain.

However, this match represents a chance to give minutes to Orlando Pirates' Sipho Chaine. He is tipped to play from the start in this one.

DEFENCE

The defence will be missing two key men who missed out on being selected due to injury. Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau were crucial players at the World Cup but are absent for this one.

Thabang Matuludi is set to get a start at right back. Samukele Kabini of Molde FK may start again at left back as Aubrey Modiba has a hamstring complaint.

At centre back, Ime Okon may get the nod again. Lebone Seema is pushing for a first start after helping Orlando Pirates to 26 clean sheets in his 35 league starts for the club.

Olwethu Makhanya of Glasgow Rangers is set to be rested.

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

Teboho Mokoena is out with a knee injury sustained last weekend. Bathusi Aubaas has injured his thigh and both Lebohang Maboe and Thalenthe Mbatha were ruled out for this FIFA break.

Coach Pitso Mosimane only has two fit central midfielders for this match. Brooklyn Poggenpoel and Sphephelo Sithole will anchor the engine room.

ATTACK

There are plenty of options in the front four for coach Pitso Mosimane. Oswin Appollis and Thapelo Maseko are set to be rested. Rele Mofokeng may start again, whilst Iqraam Rayners may get the nod in the number nine role.

Tashreeq Matthews could be handed his debut down the left flank. Luther Singh is likely to start down the right in preference to Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane.

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

Sipho Chaine - Thabang Matuludi, Ime Okon, Lebone Seema, Samukele Kabini - Brooklyn Poggenpoel, Sphephelo Sithole - Luther Singh, Rele Mofokeng, Tashreeq Matthews - Iqraam Rayners.

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.