Mbule, Mbokazi Bafana Bafana's top performers despite disappointing draw against Zimbabwe

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification hopes took a major dent after a frustrating goalless draw against Zimbabwe at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Friday night.

Despite dominating for long spells, Hugo Broos’ men couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed, leaving their destiny out of their own hands ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash with Rwanda.

Still, a number of individual performances stood out on an emotionally charged evening in Durban.

Here are the top five Bafana players who impressed:

Sipho Mbule

Orlando Pirates’ creative midfielder once again pulled the strings for Bafana, dictating play from deep and connecting midfield with attack. Mbule’s vision and composure on the ball brought calmness to a tense contest, and his ability to find space between the lines kept Zimbabwe guessing throughout.

He came closest to unlocking the Warriors when he played a perfectly weighted through-ball to Lyle Foster, whose hesitation allowed a defender to clear off the line. Mbule’s consistency and growing confidence have made him one of Broos’ most trusted lieutenants in this campaign.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Only three games into his international career, the young defender produced a commanding display that belied his limited experience. Mbokazi’s reading of the game and composure under pressure were standout features as he handled Zimbabwe’s physical approach with maturity.

His understanding with Nkosinathi Sibisi continues to grow, and together they offered solidity in the heart of defence. Though he was sent off in stoppage time for reacting to provocation, Broos defended him afterwards — calling it a moment of frustration rather than recklessness. The 19-year-old showed he belongs at this level.

Khuliso Mudau

Back in the starting XI, Mudau picked up right where he left off — driving forward with purpose while shutting down Zimbabwe’s counter-attacks. His high energy on the right flank gave Bafana width and balance, while his recovery pace kept the backline safe.

Mudau’s overlapping runs constantly stretched the opposition, and his combination play with Mbule and Appollis created some of South Africa’s best attacking sequences. It was another display that underlined why he’s one of the most reliable players in the national setup.

Oswin Appollis

The Orlando Pirates winger brought his club form onto the international stage, injecting directness and urgency down the left side. His early cross to Foster inside the first minute nearly produced the opener, and he remained a constant menace with his pace and close control.

Appollis’ fearless running at defenders helped create space for teammates, and though he lacked the finishing touch on the night, his work rate and confidence in one-on-one situations made him a key outlet for Bafana.

Nkosinathi Sibisi

Calm and assured, the Pirates centre-back delivered a leader’s performance alongside the youthful Mbokazi. Sibisi’s reading of the game and strength in aerial duels ensured Zimbabwe rarely threatened from open play.

He also had a golden chance to score late in the first half, heading narrowly over from a corner. While the attack misfired, Sibisi ensured Bafana stayed organised and disciplined at the back.