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While some positions in the national team apparently remain at stake, there are a number of South African internationals who have solidified their places.
There were both positives and negatives to Bafana Bafana’s consecutive African Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying wins over São Tomé and Príncipe.
Positives in claiming six crucial points and also putting six goals beyond the Atlantic Ocean nation.
The downside, in which Bafana looked cautious and somewhat nervous at times, lacked fluidity and needed late goals to finish off the matches, which were actually tighter than the overall score suggested (6-2).
You also have to wonder what would have happened if South Africa had played the second game in São Tomé and Príncipe, instead of having the comforts of home at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, for the ‘away’ game. This was to limit travel during the coronavirus pandemic, an arrangement agreed upon by the West Africa team.
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Put it this way, Bafana will surely have to improve for its last two Afcon qualifiers, against Ghana at home and away in Sudan.
Those matches will only take place at the end of March 2021, so there is plenty of time for players not participating against São Tomé and Príncipe to claim a place in the team or in the starting XI.
But according to what we saw in recent days, there are some players who have cemented their places in the team.
Percy tau
Where would Bafana be without Tau? He broke the ice in Durban on Friday by winning a penalty that he converted himself. He then added another two goals, plus good ones, in a 4-2 win at Port Elizabeth on Monday. The diminutive ex-man from Mamelodi Sundowns is way above his teammates and our only potentially world-class player right now.
Bongani zungu
Zungu’s career appears to be on the upswing at the moment and the Glasgow Rangers midfielder underlined this with a commanding display at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. This was after he earned his spot in the starting lineup after coming off the bench at Moses Mabhida Stadium last week to make an excellent cameo, including a late goal. His touch and creativity made the team vibrate.
Dean furman
It is Furman’s drive, determination and winning mentality that continues to win over fans, some of whom had doubted his place in the squad following a transfer to England fourth division Carlisle United. After two heartfelt and ruthlessly efficient performances in the engine room, the 32-year-old technician silenced the skeptics in the best possible way.
Themba Zwane
Zwane wasn’t at his best in the opening game, but the current Premier Soccer League (PSL) player of the season really turned him on in physical education, scoring two goals. His combinations with former Mamelodi Sundowns teammates, Tau and Zungu, were a joy to watch. Zwane’s mobility, energy and great touch make him a headache for any defender and he seems to be becoming more and more clinical in front of goal as he moves into his 30s.
