Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has remained mum on who will captain the national team for their crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Uganda and South Sudan, starting on Friday.
Captain Ronwen Williams is not part of the team as he is currently battling a shoulder injury, while vice-captain Percy Tau has been dropped.
Speaking to the media on Monday, the Belgian tactician shied away from naming the new captain, but emphasised that he still needed to talk with the player he has in mind to determine his suitability for the task.
“I will talk to the player to see if he is ready. Because it’s not easy to be captain when you have such a good captain as Ronwen, so he has to be ready for it.
“We had a little chat with Helman Mkhalele and we know a little bit what we’re going to do, but I think it’s the players who have to know first,” Broos said.
With the Bafana captain for the Afcon Qualifiers yet to be confirmed, IOL Sport takes a look at the potential players who could wear the captain's armband on Friday.
Themba Zwane
“Mshishi” as he is affectionately known, has been a key part of the national set-up for a long time.
The 36-year-old has 46 caps for the national team and commands a great deal of respect in the dressing room. He has also donned the captain’s armband for his club Mamelodi Sundowns.
Teboho Mokoena
Mokoena was one of Bafana’s stand-out players during the 2023 Afcon tournament in Côte d'Ivoire earlier this year.
He has traversed the continent with Mamelodi Sundowns, playing in the Caf Champions League for years. His insights and experience could be invaluable for Bafana as they seek to secure qualification to the next edition of Afcon.
Sphephelo Sithole
The 25-year-old hard-tackling midfielder has endeared himself into the heart of South Africans with impressive displays whenever he is in the colours of the national team.
His physical presence and outspoken personality could be vital for Bafana.
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