South Africa Triumphs In AFCON Qualifiers: Mbatha Shines

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

Bafana Bafana are back on track after defeating South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Thalente Mbatha, the Orlando Pirates midfielder, delivered a crucial late goal to secure all three points.
Former Kaizer Chiefs star Doctor Khumalo praised two Buccaneers players for their standout performances.

Listen up, folks. Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo has been singing the praises of two Orlando Pirates players following Bafana Bafana’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over South Sudan this Tuesday. It’s always good to hear from the greats of the game, and Khumalo didn’t hold back in sharing his thoughts about what went right in that match.

The South African men’s national team, still licking their wounds from a draw against Uganda in their opening group game, came out strong against South Sudan. They showed grit and determination, eventually securing a much-needed win at Juba Stadium. Oswin Appollis, the Polokwane City star, netted twice in the first half, but it was Thalente Mbatha who delivered the knockout punch with a dramatic late goal that sealed the deal for Hugo Broos’ side.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo gives kudos to two Orlando Pirates stars after South Africa's thrilling 3-2 win over South Sudan in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Photo: Oupa Bopape. Source: Getty Images

Doctor Khumalo Celebrates Pirates Stars

Here’s the scoop: According to iDiskiTimes, Doctor Khumalo spoke candidly about the match on SABC1. He admitted it wasn’t an easy ride for Bafana Bafana, but he was quick to point out what made the difference. “This game was a tough tie. At first, it seemed like we were just cruising, but that’s when things get tricky,” Khumalo explained.

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“What really stood out was our composure and belief in our abilities. We didn’t play into South Sudan’s hands—we played to our strengths. And you know what? We had players on the bench who could change the game. Guys like Mokwana and Mofokeng came in and shifted the momentum. That’s exactly how it should be; the bench can be the game-changer.”

Khumalo specifically highlighted the contributions of Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng, both Orlando Pirates players, saying they were instrumental in securing the win. “I thought Mofokeng was fantastic on the left flank. He’s a natural winger, and it really paid off. But let’s not forget Mbatha—he’s proving to be our match-winner time and time again,” he added.

“It raises an interesting question: Should we rely more on Orlando Pirates players since they’ve been playing more competitive games? These guys are sharp and ready to perform on the big stage.”

Who is Doctor Khumalo?

A Football Legend in His Own Right

Let’s rewind for a moment and talk about Doctor Khumalo, one of South Africa’s football icons. Known for his incredible midfield play, Khumalo made a name for himself with Kaizer Chiefs and the national team. His journey began in 1987 when he made his debut in the legendary Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates. From there, he went on to achieve greatness, helping Kaizer Chiefs secure three South African league titles and five knockout trophies in the 1990s.

Born Theophilus Khumalo, he is the son of Eliakim Khumalo, a celebrated footballer from the 1970s and 1980s. Doctor Khumalo’s talent didn’t go unnoticed—he was named South African Footballer of the Year in 1992 and played a pivotal role in Bafana Bafana’s historic run, including their first international match against Cameroon in 1992 and the 1996 African Nations Cup.

Throughout his career, Khumalo graced the pitch in 397 league and cup matches, scoring 90 goals. His legacy as a midfielder is unmatched, and his insights into the modern game remain invaluable.

Fans React to Bafana’s Win

As reported by Briefly News, Mzansi fans took to social media to celebrate Bafana Bafana’s victory over South Sudan. The win was sweet, especially with Thalente Mbatha stepping up once again to be the hero. Fans couldn’t help but cheer for the team’s resilience and knack for delivering under pressure.

This win is more than just three points—it’s a testament to the team’s growth and the depth of talent within the squad. With games like this, there’s no doubt that Bafana Bafana is heading in the right direction. So, here’s to hoping this momentum continues as they chase their dreams in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.