Veli Mothwa’s recent errors in both the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers and the Betway Premiership have sparked a heated debate: Is it too soon to rule him out as Bafana Bafana’s top goalkeeper?
Despite his recent blunders, some argue that it’s premature to completely dismiss his future with the national team.
Veli Mothwa’s Recent Missteps
In a recent Bafana Bafana match, Mothwa, filling in for the injured Ronwen Williams, had a challenging outing. He made a costly mistake during the 2025 AFCON, allowing Uganda to take a 2-1 lead two weeks ago. This performance led to him being substituted by Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine in the subsequent qualifier against South Sudan.
Mothwa’s troubles continued into the AmaZulu Betway Premiership campaign. During the opening weekend, he misjudged a high ball in stoppage time, which led to Polokwane City scoring the winning goal and AmaZulu dropping valuable points.
These high-profile errors have raised concerns about his ability to perform under pressure, casting doubt on his suitability for international football. However, some believe there may be more to his recent performances than meets the eye.
Is It Premature to Dismiss Him?
Completely writing off Veli Mothwa at this juncture might be hasty. Although his recent mistakes, notably against Uganda and Polokwane City, are troubling, it’s important to consider his potential for improvement and the possibility of a comeback.
Bafana Bafana’s coaching staff should continue to monitor Mothwa’s performance and offer him the support he needs to regain his form. If he can address his recent issues and rebuild his confidence, he may still have a future with the national team.
Nevertheless, for the crucial upcoming matches, exploring other goalkeeping options might be wise. South Africa needs a goalkeeper in peak form who can handle the pressures of international play. If Mothwa’s struggles persist, the coaching staff should be prepared to consider alternative, reliable options to secure success in the AFCON qualifiers.
Related article: AFCON Qualifiers: Bafana Bafana Player Ratings in a 3-2 Victory Over South Sudan
