{
  "id": 11007884,
  "title": "Bafana Bafana player ratings v Eritrea",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/bafana-bafana-player-ratings-v-eritrea",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T18:19:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/bafana-player-ratings-eritrea/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Pitso Mosimane’s Bafana Bafana delivered an impressive 4-0 win against Eritrea, securing six points out of six in 2027 Africa Cup of Nations Group D qualifying. Phakaaathi evaluated the performances of Bafana’s players, positioning South Africa favorably in their group. Here are the ratings for the players:\n\nRonwen Williams received a 6/10 rating, despite a poor start with three good second-half saves to salvage the match. Kamogelo Sebelebele, who didn’t have much defensive work, showed good support in attack and was awarded a 7. Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon put on a solid defensive performance, earning 7s each. Samukele Kabini made a seamless transition from the bench to left back, contributing an assist and scoring a goal (8). Relebohile Mofokeng was named Man of the Match for his brilliant performance, scoring two goals and showing why he is an excellent young talent (9). Bathusi Aubaas was substituted early due to injury, so no rating was given. Sphephelo Sithole capped an excellent midfield performance with two goals, securing an 8/10 rating. Oswin Appollis, the Orlando Pirates attacker, delivered three assists and scored a goal, receiving a 9/10 rating. Thapelo Maseko showcased his usual skill and pace down the right wing, with a 7/10 rating. Iqraam Rayners scored a goal, marking his second of the match, earning a well-deserved 7/10. Brooklyn Poggenpoel made his Bafana debut as a substitute, contributing to the team’s performance and earning an 8/10 rating. Lebone Seema came on to replace Makhanya, making a fine clearance in his brief appearance (6). Luther Singh scored Bafana’s fifth goal and impressed in his short time on the field, receiving an 7/10 rating. Cassius Mailula, who replaced Rayners, struggled to adjust to the pace of the game and received a 6/10 rating. Themba Zwane, who came on for Sithole, was not on the field long enough to be rated.",
  "summary": "Phakaaathi runs the rule over the performance of Bafana's players, who have put South Africa in a fantastic early position in their group.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "MATCH DAY | Mosimane targets win against Eritrea as the Bafana Bafana coach returns to second home, Egypt",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/match-day-mosimane-targets-win-against-eritrea-as-the-bafana-bafana",
        "published": "2026-09-30T13:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}