Mosimane faces early selection call on Bafana Bafana's striker options

The biggest question facing new Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of his first match in charge on Saturday is who leads the line in the absence of Evidence Makgopa and Lyle Foster, Delmain Faver reports for Soccer Laduma.

Orlando Pirates striker Makgopa is still recovering from injury, while Foster has just completed a loan move from Burnley to Houston Dynamo in the MLS and will miss the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea.

Mamelodi Sundowns' Cassius Mailula presents the most compelling case, having scored four goals since returning to Chloorkop, making him the frontrunner to start.

Orlando Pirates forward Yanela Mbuthuma has pushed his own claim after strong performances under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with his recent scoring form a factor that could sway Mosimane's decision.

Iqraam Rayners remains an option despite a difficult season at Mamelodi Sundowns, having scored only once so far, with his lack of rhythm potentially counting against him.

With Royale Union Saint-Gilloise's Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates' Oswin Appollis and the rest of Mosimane's attacking options expected to operate from wide areas, the identity of Saturday's starting striker remains the key question ahead of the coach's second match in charge.