South Africa stars deliver goals and assists in club action

South Africa's national team players delivered strong performances for their clubs last week, boosting morale ahead of a vital World Cup qualifier. From Scotland to the Premier Soccer League, Bafana Bafana squad members were on the scoresheet and in the thick of the action.

Olwethu Makhanya scored for Rangers in their 2-2 Scottish Premiership draw with Hearts on 28 October, playing the full ninety minutes. Back home, the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs on 31 October featured a host of South African internationals. Tshepang Moremi scored one of the goals in Pirates' 2-1 victory, with teammates Sipho Chaine and Nkosinathi Sibisi also completing the match. Thalente Mbatha started for Pirates before being substituted in the 59th minute, while Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis came off the bench in the final quarter of the game.

Mamelodi Sundowns' comprehensive 4-1 win over Durban City was spearheaded by another South African international. Tholo Matuludi scored twice and was booked, playing the entire match. Substitute Iqraam Rayners added a fourth goal after coming on in the 62nd minute. The defensive unit was marshalled by Kulumani Ndamane and Ricardo Goss, who both played the full match, while Aubrey Modiba provided an assist from his wing-back role.

These performances come at an ideal time for the national team, which is building momentum. South Africa's last outing was a 1-0 away victory over Egypt in a World Cup qualifier on 4 October, with Pule Dithejane scoring the winner. That result extended their unbeaten run to one match as they look ahead to their next fixture. The positive club form of so many squad members provides a timely boost for that key encounter at FNB Stadium. The team's recent form reads one win and no draws or defeats from their last match, a solid platform ahead of the Kenya game.