Ndlela: Makgopa & Mofokeng Must Start Against South Korea

Former Bafana Bafana striker Lungisani Ndlela has backed the team to reach the round of 32 in the FIFA World Cup, especially if certain players start the last group match against South Korea on 25 June.

Bafana Bafana settled for a 1-1 against the Czech Republic in Atlanta, USA, on Thursday, and Ndlela has picked up some positives from that outing.

"The players who came on did very well for us," he tells Soccer Laduma.

Check It Out: What Broos Told His Players At Half-Time

Bafana coach Hugo Broos made three changes in the second half. Relebohile Mofokeng came on for Jayden Adams for the start of the second half and Evidence Makgopa replaced Iqraam Rayners in the 66th minute, before Kamogelo Sebelebele took over from Thapelo Maseko with six minutes remaining.

"It was tight there in midfield, so Mofokeng coming on gave us a different attack option. He made things simple, but I was also very impressed with Makgopa," continues Ndlela, who played for the likes of Moroka Swallows and Mamelodi Sundowns in his heyday.

"I think the coach must start with Makgopa upfront in the next game. But, he must stay in the box. I know he can play outside the box, but we need him to stay in the box and they supply him. That way, we can get a goal or two against South Korea.

"We need goals and as much as he can help mark, the focus should be him staying in the box. I was very happy with the way the substitutes helped us. I really think they deserve to start the next match, especially Makgopa and Mofokeng," adds Ndlela.

"I think we have a good chance of reaching the next round, but we need to play positive football. The same way we did in the second half against Czech. There's no need for us to defend."

Bafana Bafana and South Korea will meet at Estadio Monterrey, Mexico.