Bafana Bafana player ratings versus Mali

It was a poor performance from Bafana Bafana against an average Mali side overall. There was no direction or quality in the play or fighting spirit and determination to win.

Here’s how I saw the individual performances. 

Starting Eleven

Itumeleng Khune: 4/10 – Besides the opportunistic long-distance chip that almost produced a goal, Itu failed dismally to command his troops. Maybe his mind was somewhere else… (Minnie). 

Vuyo Mere: 5/10 – He was neat and simple in defence but didn’t deliver enough going forward to support Mbatha down the right flank.

Thabo Nthethe: 4/10 – Was composed in possession but struggled to deal with Mali balls over the top, which caused Bafana problems.

Buhle Mkhwanazi: 4/10 – Like his defensive partner, very average when it came to positioning and dealing with long balls.

Thatho Mokeke: 4/10 – Mokeke looked uncomfortable playing at left back. Didn’t offer much going forward.

Lindokuhle Mbatha: 5/10 – Was our best attacking threat in the first half, helping Bafana win the penalty, but faded badly on the second half.

Hlompho Kekana: 6/10 – Played his defensive midfield role diligently.

Matthew Pattison: 4/10 – Looked off the pace of the game. Battled to find his rhythm and have any meaningful impact on the game.

Siphiwe Tshabalala: 3/10 – A pedestrian performance from Nyawana. An uninspiring performance from him as a senior player.

Bernard Parker: 7/10 – At times, it looked like Parker was the only player interested in playing. He ran tirelessly and really tried only to be let down by lack of quality supply.

Edward Manqele: 3/10 – Ran like a headless chicken and out of shape. Looked more hungry for pap ‘n vleis (washed down with Hennessey) than scoring goals!

Subs

Asavela Mbekile: 4/10 – Average in possession. Lost the ball too often. His presence wasn’t felt.

Lerato Chabangu: 3/10 – Very little impact on the game. Another one who looked off the pace.

By The Original Mister T