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Bafana's overseas contingent get valuable minutes ahead of Kenya

Luther Singh was on target in Cyprus
Luther Singh was on target in Cyprus AYMAN AREF / NURPHOTO / NURPHOTO VIA AFP

All nine overseas-based players in the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Kenya were in action for their clubs over the weekend, with one finding the back of the net.

That will be pleasing for national team coach Pitso Mosimane as he seeks to take a giant step towards the continental finals over the next eight days.

 

Luther Singh (AEL Limassol, Cyprus)

Singh scored the opening goal as AEL defeated Krasava Ypsonas 3-1 at home, his third of the season. He played 89 minutes. Singh has three goals and three assists in 10 appearances this season.

 

Olwethu Makhanya (Rangers, Scotland)

The in-form defender, who is making waves in the Scottish Premiership, played the full 90 minutes as Rangers claimed a 2-0 away victory over St Mirren. It was not his best performance and he was criticised for one piece of slack play that almost led to a goal. He has featured in 17 games in all competitions so far this season.

 

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire, USA)

Not the best game for Mbokazi either as he received a booking in the first half and was withdrawn after 68 minutes of the 4-3 loss to Columbus Crew. Despite the result, his side finished fourth in the Eastern Conference and qualified for the playoffs, where they face Charlotte FC.

 

Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire, USA)

Came off the bench with seven minutes to go in the defeat to Columbus Crew and was unable to influence the result. He has five goals and two assists in 32 appearances this season.

Lyle Foster (Houston Dynamo, USA)

Another start for Foster as he played 70 minutes in the 1-0 loss to St Louis City. He might have had an assist when his excellent through ball found Lawrence Ennali, whose effort was blocked. Houston finished fifth in the Western Conference and will face San Jose Earthquakes in the playoffs.

 

Samukele Kabini (Molde, Norway)

Kabini was back in the starting line-up, having recently lost his place, and was involved in an extraordinary 5-5 draw at Sandefjord. The left-back grabbed an assist for Kristian Lonebu as Molde recovered from 3-1 down to lead 4-3 at halftime. He now has a goal and two assists in 20 appearances this season.

 

Ime Okon (Hannover 96, Germany)

Okon came off the bench for the final five minutes as German second-division side Hannover played to a 2-2 draw at Heidenheim. He might have been the hero when his late header came back off the post. Given that he has struggled for game time of late, Mosimane will be relieved to see him back on the pitch.

 

Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal)

Sithole played the first 70 minutes of the 1-1 draw with Sporting CP B in the Portuguese second division. He really should be playing at a higher level.

 

Relebohile Mofokeng (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium)

Started on the bench after his heavy workload of late and came on after an hour as Royale Union Saint-Gilloise won 1-0 against Genk for a crucial three points that took them top of the table. Mofokeng has five goals and four assists in 17 appearances this season.

 

Nick Said has been covering African sport for almost three decades, specialising in football, rugby and cricket. He is based in Cape Town, South Africa and you can follow him on X and LinkedIn.

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