Veli Mothwa’s recent blunders in both AFCON qualifiers and the Betway Premiership have sparked a debate: Is it too early to write him off as Bafana Bafana’s first-choice goalkeeper?
While his mistakes have been costly, some believe it’s premature to completely dismiss his chances for the national team.
Veli Mothwa’s ‘Unbelievable’ Mistakes
In a recent match for Bafana Bafana, Mothwa, stepped in for the injured Ronwen Williams, however, that turned into a bittersweet moment. He made a crucial mistake during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations that let Uganda take a 2-1 lead two weeks ago. As a result, he was replaced by Orlando Pirates’ Sipho Chaine in the next qualifier against South Sudan.
Following this error, Mothwa faced further trouble during the opening weekend of the AmaZulu Betway Premiership campaign. In stoppage time of the second half, he misjudged a high ball, allowing Polokwane City to score the decisive goal and costing AmaZulu valuable points on the road.
These high-profile mistakes have directly impacted his teams’ results, fueling questions about his suitability for the high-stakes environment of international football, while others seem to think there’s more behind his recent performance.
Is It Too Early to Write Him Off?
Writing off Veli Mothwa completely at this stage might be premature. While his recent high-profile errors, particularly those against Uganda and Polokwane City, are a major cause for concern, it’s essential to consider his potential and the possibility of a turnaround.
Bafana Bafana’s coaching staff should closely monitor his performance and provide him with the necessary support to regain his form. If he can overcome his recent struggles and rediscover his confidence, he could still play a role for the national team in the future.
However, for the upcoming crucial matches, it might be prudent to explore other options in goal. South Africa needs a goalkeeper who is in top form and can handle the pressure of international competition. If Mothwa’s struggles persist, the coaching staff should not hesitate to turn to other reliable options to ensure the team’s success in the AFCON qualifiers.
Related article: AFCON Qualifiers: 5 Key Areas Hugo Broos Should Focus on Tomorrow After Uganda Draw