{
  "id": 11420327,
  "title": "Bafana v Egypt – Three players to watch",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/bafana-v-egypt-three-players-to-watch",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-02T10:56:20.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/bafana-egypt-three-players-watch/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When Bafana Bafana takes on Egypt in an international friendly at the Cairo International Stadium on Saturday, Pitso Mosimane may offer some other members of his 30-man squad a chance. The match means little in terms of bragging rights or Fifa ranking, but it could boost the players' confidence. In midfield, Mosimane may have to pick between Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, both of whom are injured. Brooklyn Poggenpoel, a 26-year-old midfielder from Durban City, made his debut for Bafana just 12 minutes into Wednesday's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Eritrea. He looked right at home, spraying passes around and generally impressing. Sphephelo Sithole, the other 'last midfielder standing,' will likely take the field with Poggenpoel on Saturday. Puso Dithejane, a 22-year-old winger, earned a call-up to the Bafana squad due to his stunning form with Chicago Fire this season. However, he has fierce competition on the wing from Oswin Appollis, Thapelo Maseko, and Luther Singh. Dithejane may get a chance to show what he can do against Egypt, even if it's only off the bench. Sipho Chaine, who was Ronwen Williams' deputy in recent AFCON qualifier matches, needs to prove his reliability. Chaine, a 26-year-old, has just four appearances for Bafana. The Egypt game could be the perfect opportunity to give Chaine a chance, as Mosimane has described him as one of his \"captains.\"",
  "summary": "Phakaaathi takes a look at three players who could well get a chance against the Pharaohs.",
  "key_points": [
    "Pitso Mosimane may choose between Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas for midfield.",
    "Brooklyn Poggenpoel made his debut just 12 minutes into Wednesday's qualifier.",
    "Puso Dithejane, a 22-year-old winger, faces competition for the wing spot."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "IOL",
        "title": "WATCH | Mosimane receives warm Al Ahly welcome as Bafana Bafana prepare for Egypt friendly",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/02/watch-mosimane-receives-warm-al-ahly-welcome-as-bafana-bafana-prepare",
        "published": "2026-10-02T10:25:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}