Bafana Bafana outclass Zambia but remain untested for AFCON

Hugo Broos hardly cut an animated figure at Nelson Mandela Bay on Saturday afternoon, except on the three occasions when his Bafana Bafana boys put the ball past Zambia’s goalkeeper Toaster Ntsabata.

And that alone should tell you just how academic this performance was for Bafana as they strolled to a commanding 3 -1 victory over Zambia in Gqeberha without really determining whether they are ready for the intensity that awaits them at AFCON.

But be that as it may, this must have been an expected result and performance for Broos, given that he had fielded his best team against a weakened Zambian side that didn’t even have new coach Moses Sichone on the bench due to his coaching license commitments.

So given that it might a double-edged sword that Bafana cruised to victory without being properly tested, Broos will have much to ponder before he names his final squad for the continental showpiece early next month. This was the last chance for some players to impress and prove their readiness to board the flight to Morocco.

But what is perhaps already evident is that Masindi Nemtajela and Keletso Makgalwa - who were handed their maiden call-ups for this clash so that Broos could see them up close after their club performances - will likely not make the final squad, as neither made their debut on the day.

The flipside, however, is Sipho Mbule. With his two assists - first for Oswin Appollis’ opener and later for Mohau Nkota’s curler - Mbule all but secured his ticket to the continental finals.

Mbule lived up to his “MasterChef” moniker once again in Bafana colours, dishing up scintillating passes and controlling the tempo of the game in a manner that made even the onlookers take notice. His career revival at both Bafana and his new club, Orlando Pirates, this season is arguably one of the highlights of the year so far.

What will also give Mbule the freedom to “cook” at AFCON is the strong supporting structure of Teboho Mokoena and Siphephelo Sithole behind him. The duo was in beast mode in the engine room, swapping shifts between the halves.

Mokoena kept things neat and tidy in the first half - even threatening with shots at goal - before Sithole took over in the second following his partner in crime’s substitution for Thalente Mbatha, who entered the fray and fitted in like a glove.

Sithole also crowned his second-half performance with a goal, heading home Bafana’s third after connecting with Nkota’s assist - a feat appreciated by teammates on and off the field as they raced to the corner flag to celebrate with him.

With the only notable defensive change being Samukelo Kabini starting ahead of Aubrey Modiba, there was stability at the back. Khuliso Mudau proved once more why he is such a significant figure, winning most of his duels against Fashion Sakala, one of Zambia’s dangermen up front.

So, with Modiba expected to return to his position at AFCON, it’s perhaps safe to say Bafana will be rock-solid at the tournament - especially if Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi continue to fine-tune their central defensive partnership at Pirates.

Bafana, though, were not a well-oiled machine throughout, particularly with their combinations. Their front runners lacked fluidity in the first half, with Appollis, Lyle Foster, and Tshepang Moremi hardly finding each other in the final third.

Even though Moremi was retained for the second half, he didn’t make much of an impact. Instead, it was Nkota who stood head and shoulders above the rest - not only with his well-taken curler and assist, but through his overall effort on the park.

When he celebrated his goal by lifting his hands above his head in a crown-like gesture, it wasn’t only a testament to his impressive introduction, but perhaps also a sign that he is the new playmaker on the wings - suggesting there may be no need for the return of someone like Thembinkosi Lorch, despite his rich vein of form at Wydad Casablanca.

Overall, Bafana hardly broke a sweat - though substitute goalkeeper Sipho Chaine conceded in stoppage time - something that could prove to be a double-edged sword for Broos, who may have wanted a better measure of their AFCON readiness.

Nevertheless, he will be happy with the three points and with the performance of Player of the Match Mbule, who now seems to have secured his spot at the continental showpiece after a remarkable career revival.