Mbekezeli Mbokazi celebrates his cracking goal against Panama at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane / Independent Newspapers
It was a case of the good, the bad, and the ugly for Bafana Bafana as they fell to a 2-1 defeat against Panama at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday.
Coach Hugo Broos made a number of changes to the side that started against the same opposition last Friday, allowing several fringe players to stake their claim ahead of the Fifa World Cup in June.
He also handed reserve goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner an international debut, with captain Ronwen Williams exiting the stage at half-time.
Relebohile Mofokeng
The Orlando Pirates star, nicknamed "Cocomelon" for his youthful exuberance, possesses all the silky touches and vision required of a high-level number 10.
The 21-year-old was influential across both matches, sitting at the heart of Bafana Bafana’s attacking forays and making a stellar case for Broos not to rush veteran playmaker Themba Zwane back into the midfield following his lengthy injury lay-off. Mofokeng’s performances earned high praise from Panama’s head coach, Thomas Christiansen.
"Mofokeng is a very good player," the Danish-born Spaniard explained. "He can make the difference. He’s fast, technically skilled, and very strong. Mofokeng has a good view; he can give good passes, and as a young player, he’s very important for the future."
The Cape Town crowd
Perhaps it is because Bafana are not over-exposed in the Mother City — having last played at the DHL Stadium two years ago — but Cape Town’s football fans were clearly relishing the chance to see the national team in action.
They turned out in their tens of thousands, decking the 2010 FIFA World Cup venue in a sea of green and gold. The energy was pulsating, with the national anthem sung with passion by an eclectic mix of people representing the Rainbow Nation.
“When you have such a stadium, the form of the stadium, it's overwhelming,” Broos said. “It gives you energy. For the players, it has to be fantastic to play in that stadium. The crowd is always there when you come to Cape Town.”
Cape Town football fans filled up DHL Stadium for Bafana Bafana's friendly against Panama.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Newspapers
Physicality
Physicality is an area where Bafana have traditionally been found wanting, and it was no different against a powerful and aggressive Panama team.
The hosts were bundled off the ball on occasion, while Los Canaleros’ superior physicality saw the visitors dominate the duels. Coach Broos remains unphased, however, having navigated similar challenges during AFCON. He remains confident he can prepare his team to match such aggression.
"It's not a worry, certainly not, because I know that if we can be together for a while and work on that, South Africa can also play,” the Belgian said. “We don't have players of 1.85m—not all of them—but we can work on it. We succeeded in doing it at AFCON two years ago, and we will succeed now also.”
Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster misses an opportunity to score against Panama.
Image: Ayanda Ndamane Independent Media
Goal-shy
The situation has become so dire that former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett has called for a specialised striker coach to be appointed to the national team's support staff. As Bafana’s second all-time leading goalscorer, Bartlett’s call carries weight following the two matches against Panama.
Bafana were creative in their build-up play and, according to Broos, created 10 clear chances across the two games, yet they only managed to convert two of them. Furthermore, the goal in Cape Town was a moment of individual brilliance from centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who unleashed a long-range pile-driver.
Bafana will need to pack their scoring boots for Mexico and the USA if they are to stand any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds of the FIFA World Cup for the first time.