This is an intriguing game. South Africa play the current world champions in what could prove to be a rather important game for Bafana. Pitting yourself against the best in the world is a brilliant measurement toward improvement – and given the new fresh approach to South African football, I think this game is incredibly relevant.
International friendly
Tuesday 29 March
Tuesday 29 March
Stade Pierre-Mauroy
21:15
To Win
France 1/4
France 1/4
Draw 44/10
South Africa 17/2
South Africa 17/2
France
The quality attached to this French side is unquestionable. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winners host Bafana in what could turn out to be a rather interesting encounter. Of course, we all remember the last time these sides met, South Africa came away 2-1 winners! Albeit during a tumultuous World Cup campaign in South Africa.
Most noticeably, Paul Pogba has been included in the squad this time around. The Manchester United midfielder was not involved in France’s November duties due to injury and I’m sure he’ll be chomping at the bit to get back into national colours.
Karim Benzema is another name worth mentioning – considering what the French striker is doing now in Madrid. He is in incredible form now, scoring at will but maybe more impressively is the way in which he takes games by the scruff of the neck and wills his side forward.
There have been assertions that the pair cannot co-exist in the national side. Neither player has confirmed this though, suggesting that this alleged spat only really exists in the media. Anyway, Benzema has since suffered an injury ruling him out of the squad and in his place is AC Milan’s Olivier Giroud – who in my opinion might be one of world football’s most underrated players.
The spine of the French side is unplayable on their day, Hugo Loris in goal. A keeper who at both club and international level has shown time and again why he is such an incredible leader. Presnel Kimpembe and Raphael Varane will both be hoping for performances to aid in their quest to regain confidence – but the quality present to both is worth beholding.
I’m not sure there are too many other players in world football who are able to complement each other the way N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba do. In fact, you could probably go as far as to say that Kante allows Pogba the creative freedom to play at his world-class best…something seemingly only reserve for his national side.
If France looks to apply pressure right from the off, they could impose themselves here and make life incredibly difficult or Bafana.
South Africa
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has once again named a national squad dominated by youth and energy. His motif of building a new-look side aimed at prioritizing young players who are hungry and passionate to play for their country is clear – and you simply cannot fault him.
Surely the major plan on his agenda comes in the form of 2026 in North America…with qualification being the expectation.
A lot has been made of Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu, who finds a place in Broos’ squad. The defender has been riding the crest of a wave so far this season and deserves all the attention he is receiving. Naturally the pressure pursuant to such media attention is often tangible, but I think South African players need more of this on the international stage.
Al Ahly attacking ace and South African poster child Percy Tau will unfortunately not feature once again due to injury. The talisman has admittedly struggled since his move to play under Pitso Mosimane – playing in snatches as opposed to the general dominance we were used to seeing.
However, what is likely more worrying is his inconsistency when it comes to playing for the national side. Victor Letsoalo from Royal AM comes into the equation now and what an incredible opportunity for the young striker to make his mark.
There is something intriguing about South Africa under Hugo Broos – there is no denying that our grassroots and internal football structures need work before we can hope to consistently compete on the international stage…but with Broos at the front some remain optimistic.
A young side, with management who favours passion and fight are always possibly a dangerous combination. Broos will (like the rest of us) try to upset the world champions by pinning his hopes to the likes of Ronwen Williams, Rushine De Reuck, Teboho Mokoena and Goodman Mosele.
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (SuperSport United), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu) & Bruce Bvuma (Kaizer Chiefs).
Defenders: Sydney Mobbie (Sekhukhune United), Terrence Mashego (Cape Town City), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Golden Arrows), Athenkosi Mcaba (Stellenbosch FC), Bandile Shandu (Orlando Pirates), Siyanda Xulu (Unattached), Rushine De Reuck, Khuliso Mudau & Lyle Lakay (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Midfielders: Keagan Dolly (Kaizer Chiefs), Ethan Brooks (TS Galaxy), Thabang Monare, Goodman Mosele (Orlando Pirates), Mothobi Mvala & Teboho Mokoena (Sundowns).
Forwards: Victor Letsoalo (Royal AM), Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC), Lyle Foster (Westerlo), Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United) & Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids FC).
Prediction: France To Win To Nil (15/20)
I’m confident South Africa can reach top gear and gain confidence with a win over Guinea going into the much-anticipated clash with France. Tau will surely be a miss for Bafana Bafana, but with Keagan Dolly stepping back into the fray, I don’t see any drop in quality within the ranks.
Imposing striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane is my pick to find the net with the likes of Dolly and youngster Ethan Brooks pulling the strings. Guinea will be swept aside, but what I fear for is Paul Pogba and N’Golo Kante when they meet the midfield duo of Mothobi Mvala and Teboho Mokoena on Tuesday evening.
Written by Ryan Liberty