African News

Gordon Igesund admits to waking up at 3am in the morning sweating on team selection. The bad news for him is that his sleeping patterns are only going to get worse as AFCON 2013 approaches.

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The Bafana boss has tough choices to make all over the park. But it's particularly crucial that he gets his options right up front. Without goals, it could be a miserable tournament for the hosts.

As Football411's Anthony McLennan points out below, Igesund has a fairly long list of target-men at his disposal. But that's only when everyone is fit and on-form. Plus the various combinations also need to be taken into account, not to mention the nature of the opponents and game-plan on match day. Good luck coach.

Here's a look at the potential candidates.

The Main Men

Katlego Mphela - Our only true, proven international class front man, his return to fitness is a big, big boost for South Africa and raises our chances of success significantly.

Bernard Parker - Has not quite made the step up to international level, but is pretty close to getting there. In good form for Kaizer Chiefs he brings a lot to the team - pace, good on both feet, a lethal free kick, clever passing around the box...

Tokelo Rantie - The Malmo striker has taken his chances well for the senior national team and appears to have the composure needed for the international stage. His goal return at Orlando Pirates last season was very good. His pace and finishing ability can be a major asset to Bafana.

Thulani Serero - Fitness concerns remain hanging over the Ajax Amsterdam player, but you can be sure that Igesund will do everything in his power to ensure that Serero is at AFCON. His unpredictability, his versatility and his game intelligence bring something extra to the team. Even an 80-percent fit Serero would be useful for Bafana - and he would gain in fitness as the tournament unravels.

Kermit Erasmus - SuperSport United boss Gavin Hunt said recently that Erasmus should be a regular Bafana striker, but 'needs a kick up the behind' to get him going. Questions remain over his temperament, but an on-form Erasmus can destroy any defence with his speed and clinical finishing.

The Wounded

Dino Ndlovu - A fracture in his foot in November means he is unlikely to make the AFCON cut.

Benni McCarthy - Benni's hamstring issue seems likely to rule him out. It's time to say goodbye to the 35-year-old on the international stage then.

Siyabonga Nomvethe - After his stunning campaign last season, Nomvethe has been sidelined the entire season with injury. It's perhaps also time to bring down the curtain on his career as a national team striker.

The Outsiders

Davide Somma - Somma was on target for Leeds United on Wednesday, but having been out for six months, is unlikely to be near the levels of fitness required for international competition. A pity though, because his height, vision and general presence brings something different to the team. And he's passionate about representing the country, unlike some of the other 'foreign recruits'.

Calvin Kadi - Before departing for Greece two seasons back, Kadi was showing all the signs of being an international class marksman. His unsuccessful European excursion set back his career, but on returning to Wits this season, Kadi has netted six goals. He seems on the right track, but next year's AFCON will come to soon one thinks.

Kaltego Mashego - Mashego leads the PSL goal-scorers charts. But is he good enough to shine internationally? I'm not sure...

Lerato Chabangu - Chabangu's form has dropped as Moroka Swallows have struggled. A pity, because he made a breathtaking start to the season. But Igesund likes Chabangu, and knows him from his time at the Birds. The player brings things to the side that others can't and if Igesund can get his confidence back up, Chabangu could play a key role as a second striker or even as a wide-midfielder.

Eleazar Rodgers - Would bring another dimension to the team. He's in fairly good form at Sundowns and could thrive on quality balls into the box, especially in the air, when 'Plan B' is required.

Lehlohonolo Majoro - Eight league goals for Chiefs this season is a good return. And the ability to find the net with the pressure of playing for the country's biggest club on his shoulders is commendable. But Majoro has only been playing professional football for three seasons now and is not yet the finished product.

And, the guys that need to get their act together...

Erwin Isaacs and Mabuthi Khenyeza - Two players who have all the ability in the world...But it's upstairs, in their heads, where the problems lie.

Bradley Grobler and Terror Fanteni - The Ajax striker, and the former Ajax striker, both have the ability to score goals, as their stats will show. But both have battled with game-time/ injury/ form this season and are currently way down the pecking order.