Bafana Bafana face Egypt in an international friendly on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium.
Pitso Mosimane’s opening two matches have gone perfectly according to plan, picking up maximum points on the road to AFCON 2027.
He hasn’t tinkered much with his squad or starting lineups, keeping the momentum from Hugo Broos’ setup with changes forced only by injuries.
Mosimane now has the opportunity to test some new combinations against the Pharaohs. One big decision he faces is whether to stick with captain Ronwen Williams or hand Orlando Pirates star Sipho Chaine a rare start.
Williams or Chaine?
Williams is undoubtedly Bafana Bafana’s number one. He has been a cornerstone of the squad’s progress, and his leadership and goalkeeping qualities are undeniable.
So it should be stated that this isn’t a long-term replacement debate. Williams has proven beyond doubt that he deserves to be Mosimane’s undisputed first-choice keeper.
However, with an in-form Sipho Chaine waiting in the wings, one could argue Williams’ job is done for this international break and it’s time to give Chaine a go against Egypt.
Chaine followed up last season’s record-breaking campaign with an incredible start to the new term. He already has nine clean sheets in 12 games for Orlando Pirates while conceding just two goals.
At 29 years old, the Bucs goalkeeper is five years younger than Williams, making him the natural successor to the throne if he maintains this form.
Whether to hand Chaine a start against Egypt will be one of several tough selection calls facing Mosimane ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Photo: REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko
