Bafana Legend Urges Hugo Broos To Start Mofokeng, Appollis, and Mbatha Against Czechia

Former Bafana Bafana striker Benedict Vilakazi has called for the inclusion of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha in the starting line-up against Czechia on Thursday.

Changes For Czechia

Following Bafana Bafana's 0-2 defeat to co-hosts Mexico in Mexico City last week, Vilakazi has called for changes in the personnel, as the country not only suffered a loss, but suffered an embarrassment with the whole world watching. 

Last week, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos employed defensive strategies, as he unleashed an XI with no out-and-out winger, nor a creative player in the midfield. 

It was this feat that saw Broos endure a lot of criticism following the loss to Mexico, with some calling for his immediate sacking, as South Africans felt that the coach missed an opportunity to showcase the talent in South Africa and the style of play. 

Vilakazi has advised that Broos needs to unleash his star players, including Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and Thalente Mbatha.

"As South Africans, we wanted to see him play attacking football. We didn't say to the coach, he must go and win the World Cup. What we said to him was to go and represent us well," Vilakazi told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.

Vilakazi also gave out his XI for the match, a team that the 43-year-old believes will see Bafana Bafana get a victory on Thursday.   

"I hope we can start with Mudau on the right, Modiba on the left side and then play Mbokazi and play Okon so they have four at the back. Then go to the midfield with Tebza, Jayden Adams and Mbatha; that's a very talented three in the midfield. Then up front, let's go with Rayners as our striker, with Appollis and Mofokeng on the wing," he added. 

"These boys, I trust them.  You've also got Maseko, who can come in and do damage; you've also got Moremi and Sebelebele, who can come in and do damage. Looking at how we performed against Mexico, if we can play these boys that I just mentioned now, I think we will go to the second round."

Taking Responsibility

Vilakazi believes that coach Broos needs to take responsibility for the loss against Mexico and relieve the players from the guilt of letting the country down. 

After all, it was largely the coach's tactics that led to the side's downfall. 

Vilakazi believes that the players' confidence and morale would benefit greatly from the coach taking responsibility, especially given that the players' confidence took a massive hit in Mexico City.

"If I am Hugo Broos, to take away the pressure from the players, I would say to the boys, I let you down, I made a mistake, and I'm taking all the blame," said Vilakazi. 

"I made a mistake, I tried something, and it didn't work out, so you guys didn't do anything wrong. You guys deserved to win that game, but the mistake that I made cost you guys," he concluded.