Bafana Bafana's No. 10: Potential Replacements For Zwane And Maswanganyi

Admin

3 min read

Post on Mar 22, 2025

4.9

Share

Bafana Bafana's No. 10: Potential Replacements for Zwane and Maswanganyi

The iconic number 10 jersey for Bafana Bafana, synonymous with creative midfield playmaking, is currently up for grabs. With the potential departures or decreased playing time for Keagan Dolly and Themba Zwane, the question on every South African football fan's mind is: who will be the next maestro to wear the prestigious shirt? This article explores some potential candidates to fill the sizable boots of these seasoned professionals and discusses the challenges and opportunities this presents for the national team.

The Legacy of the No. 10:

The number 10 jersey carries immense weight in South African football history. Legends like Doctor Khumalo and Steven Pienaar have donned it, setting high standards for creativity, vision, and goal-scoring ability. Recent occupants like Keagan Dolly and Themba Zwane have also contributed significantly, but their future with the national team remains uncertain. This creates a unique opportunity for emerging talent to stake their claim and potentially define a new era for Bafana Bafana.

Potential Candidates: A Deep Dive

Several players are emerging as potential successors to Zwane and Dolly, each with unique strengths and weaknesses:

• Evidence Makgopa (Baroka FC): Makgopa's impressive performances in the DStv Premiership have caught the eye. His direct running, ability to beat defenders, and clinical finishing make him a strong contender. While he might not be a classic number 10 in the traditional sense, his attacking prowess could prove invaluable.

• Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United): Playing abroad in the MLS provides Hlongwane with valuable experience. His pace, dribbling skills, and eye for goal make him an exciting prospect. However, his adaptation to the Bafana Bafana system and his ability to dictate play from a central position need to be assessed.

• Junior Mendieta (Orlando Pirates): Mendieta's creative flair and passing accuracy are undeniable assets. His ability to unlock defences with precise through balls could make him a perfect fit for the number 10 role. However, consistency remains key for him to solidify his claim.

• Other rising stars: The South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) is brimming with young talent. Players like Njabulo Ngcobo and Terrence Mashego demonstrate the depth of talent available, showcasing the potential for future Bafana Bafana stars.

The Challenges Ahead:

Finding a suitable replacement for players of Dolly and Zwane's caliber is a significant challenge. The ideal candidate must possess not only individual brilliance but also the ability to:

• Lead the attack: The number 10 is often the orchestrator of the team's attacking plays.
• Create scoring chances: Vision, passing accuracy, and the ability to unlock defenses are crucial.
• Maintain consistency: The pressure of wearing the number 10 shirt demands consistent high-level performances.

The Future is Bright:

While filling the shoes of legends is always difficult, the emergence of talented young players offers Bafana Bafana a chance to refresh its attacking approach. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining who will step up and claim the coveted number 10 jersey and shape the future direction of the national team. It's a competition brimming with potential, and the excitement is palpable among South African football fans.

Call to Action: Who do you think should be the next Bafana Bafana number 10? Share your thoughts in the comments below!