The five questions Bafana Bafana are eager to settle against Jamaica in Friday's friendly

Coach Hugo Broos has indicated he has a rough notion of his likely starting eleven for the Mexico encounter, but the match against Jamaica may ultimately decide his selection.

The defence

Captain Ronwen Williams appears certain to take his place in goal, while Khuliso Mudau (right-back) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (centre-back) are also seemingly guaranteed starters. However, the remaining two slots in the defensive line are still open to competition.

A fully fit Aubrey Modiba would be a leading candidate for the left-back role, but the question remains whether he has fully recovered from the hamstring problem that sidelined him for the second leg of the CAF Champions League final.

And even if Modiba is available, will Broos prefer the physically imposing Samukelo Kabini, who is perhaps the stronger defender but lacks the same attacking threat?

The coach has switched between the two players recently; although Kabini offers greater defensive solidity, Modiba brings far more experience, which could be vital given the expected defensive pressure.

The other centre-back position is also under discussion, with the contest seemingly between two younger players, Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon.

Mbokazi is not particularly tall, meaning pairing him with Nkosinathi Sibisi would be risky. That combination succeeded in the PSL, but this is a different standard. Khulumani Ndamane, like Mbokazi, is also naturally a left-sided centre-back.

Both Makhanya and Okon are tall and physically robust, making the choice difficult, although Okon may have a slight advantage because he competed in the higher-tier Bundesliga II this season, whereas Makhanya played in Major League Soccer.

Up front

Lyle Foster is the primary striker and is likely to start, but he is clearly lacking confidence, a situation worsened by his missed penalty against Nicaragua last week.

He desperately requires a goal to improve his spirits, and one senses that once that happens, he will rediscover his sharpness. Broos also indicated that Foster might lack match fitness after being absent at the end of the Premier League season with Burnley.

If Broos plans to use through balls behind the Mexico defence, then Iqraam Rayners could be the more suitable choice, although Rayners is not as adept at holding up the ball.

Ultimately it depends on the team’s style; given that Bafana are not expected to dominate possession, Foster is likely to be the preferred option.

Maseko vs Moremi

Tshepang Moremi was the starter during the Africa Cup of Nations, but a recent decline in form has heaped pressure on him.

Thapelo Maseko has returned to contention and appears the more energetic of the pair, and perhaps the more likely goal threat. However, within this setup, the winger is also expected to retreat and contribute significantly to defence.

Oswin Appollis is tipped to occupy one wing, with either Maseko or Moremi taking the opposite flank.

Mofokeng to start behind the striker?

Relebohile Mofokeng arrives on the back of an outstanding six months, during which he was instrumental in Orlando Pirates winning the league championship.

Themba Zwane has returned to fitness, although his minutes on the pitch have been limited. Nevertheless, when at his best, he is still capable of determining the outcome of a match.

Undoubtedly, Mofokeng offers more explosive qualities, but Zwane’s composure and wealth of experience might be vital for the team.

This presents a tough decision for the coach; although Mofokeng appears the straightforward selection, Broos has openly expressed his appreciation for Zwane’s capacity to dictate the pace in the final third.

Have they acclimatised?

Pachuca is roughly 2,400 feet higher than Johannesburg, meaning the team must cope with even greater altitude, along with jet lag resulting from the eight-hour time difference between South Africa and Mexico.

This is arguably the most significant worry, and its impact varies from player to player. Some might find it easy, while others will struggle more.

The Mamelodi Sundowns players who participated in the FIFA Club World Cup last year have previously encountered similar conditions.

It is likely that South Africa’s display on Friday will be somewhat lethargic, particularly because no one will wish to sustain an injury only days ahead of what promises to be the most important match of their careers.