Bafana Bafana in a race against time to have defender Khuliso Mudau ready for their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash against Morocco next Tuesday. KickOff readers have now expressed their views on the Mamelodi Sundowns star's potential absence.
The story
South Africa coach Hugo Broos recently admitted that early signs are not positive over recovery of Mudau, who was forced off the pitch against Tunisia due to injury. The left-back started every match so far and Bafana are now sweating over his fitness ahead of the round of 16.
Nyiko Mobbie came on as a replacement, however, some KO readers on Facebook are now suggesting that Thapelo Morena is another candidate for that position.
Read: Modiba 'sets' impressive 2023 AFCON record
"Those guys they planned him and the referee didn't protect them at all.I remembered Romero got a red card and the 'ball first rule' didn't apply in that case. So I think that he should've got a yellow card on that first foul because he went over the ball," says Ta Mlu Azonwabe.
"South African players don't know how to appeal to the referee, with so many late tackles and leaving of the trailing foot. Tunisia would have at least got two red cards on the day but we are not appealing enough to convince the ref to check for VAR. Such transgressions can be very advantageous for us but only if we know how, when, and where to appeal. Morena would be the best bet for replacing Mudau, Maseko can slot back into the right wing," says Jessie Moopeleng-diatla van Tonder.
"This is bad if that's the case, the coach must play Morena as a right back then play Appolis as at right wing. I'm sure he can do better or play any left-wingers on the right like Maseko or Mayambela because Mobbie is too slow - he will cost us the game," says Barry Andile.
"Nyiko Mobbie is available, he came in for him and he did exceptionally well in that position," says Tebogo Silinda.
"Nyiko Mobbie stand up your time has come," says Mbi Skway Aviwe
"South African soccer supporters are starting to be coaches again, they are busy telling our coach to play this one and not that one. Our job is to support the boys, not coaching them. Let the coach do his job without interference," says Fuman Mabulwane.
"There was too much on the wings for Tunisia - Mudau at right-back, Morena on the right-wing, and Modiba at left-back. They were kicking and stepping on them, to injure them not run," says Kamo Lefuo.
"Speedy recovery, we only have Nyiko freeway Mobbie," says Isaac Cindi.
"Don't rush him please, Morena can play that role very well," says Phelo Tyibilika Lexx.
"Ok, it's a chance to pair Percy and Morena on the right then put Aubrey and Maseko on the left for the killer punch," says Katlego SirNgcobo.
Read: 'The Bafana Bafana curse continues to haunt Africa'
Meanwhile, Doctor Khumalo recently praised midfielder Sphephelo Sithole, hailing the Portugal-based star as an unsung hero of Bafana during their successful group stage display.
"He has great vision on the pitch," says Simphiwe Mabuza
"That chap you can tell that he doesn't play in this South African League. He's not a softie like most of our players and he understands that soccer is a contact sport and he has vision - he's a very good midfielder. Exceptional I can say," says Siyabonga Musawenkosi Nkosi.
"I fully agree with him. His success in intercepting crucial. Counter moments are out of this world," says Phuti Seloba.
"Broos is the unsung hero. He got criticized but the ship is still moving," says Themba Mthimbane.
"His performance among all defensive midfielders can only be noticed and praised by people with football brains. Not the ones watching football while chatting and focusing on their phones," says Lindelani 'Lee' Boyabenyathi.
"When Teboho Mokoena was named player of the season, the media criticised the decision because they didn't see how hard he worked to protect the defensive line whilst still creating goals for the front line," says Jimmy Ranamane.
"The guy is the rock and that's why you can see Mokoena moving forward because he's protecting the defence well," says King Kgosie.
"Great player indeed, he can also develop and become a better player," says Aphiwe Abza.
"Yaya has a lot to improve on. He is a good player though," says Anele Shane Mahlathi.
"He is a good player but isn't comfortable with a short passing game," says Mpho Meso.
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