Percy Tau, Khuliso Mudau and three other players that make up South Africa's Big 5 at AFCON 2023

• South Africa have only two European-based players with one other playing outside South Africa
• The core of the squad is from a club that has vast experience playing top-tier African opposition
• Bafana Bafana's tournament could be a positive advertisement for the DStv Premiership

Solid squads provide a foundation for individual brilliance to flourish.

Pre-tournament talk has mainly been around Hugo Broos' omissions and subsequent withdrawals, but it is almost time for the chosen ones to do the business.

With the opening weekend setting the tone, Sports Brief looks at the five players that can make a difference for Bafana Bafana in Group E.

South Africa's AFCON Big 5

1. Ronwen Williams

Bafana Bafana's captain and last line of defence has the potential to inspire. If he makes positive early touches he can create an aura that the Malians will find hard to beat.

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The longer Williams' line stays unbreached, the greater the confidence of the other 10 players. Now a veteran between the sticks, Williams will be a calming figure.

A confident South Africa is a dangerous team and with defensive solidity comes greater freedom for the team to express themselves.

2. Khuliso Mudau

The popularity of Khuliso Mudau in South Africa is unrivalled. The marauding right-back is the darling of Masandawana fans.

'Sailor' consistently delivers on the pitch both defensively and on the overlap, placing him among the best wing-backs at AFCON.

With his mirror image on the opposite flank, Aubrey Modiba, Bafana Bafana will be able to play with width if they can wrestle ascendency in the midfield.

3. Sphephelo Sithole

Broos' chosen anchorman, Sphephelo Sithole has been roundly applauded for his composure, agility and situational awareness.

Tall yet silky on his feet, he has earned himself the nickname 'Yaya' and in the country of his namesake has the opportunity to propel himself and his teammates to new heights.

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The 24-year-old notably lifts his game to match the quality of his opponents, and he will need to be in a dominant mood if he is to out-muscle Mali.

4. Thapelo Maseko

The winger could be the surprise package of the tournament.

Some may be looking to Mihlali Mayambela for a creative spark out wide but at 21, Maseko has risen to every challenge placed in front of him.

Always willing to take on defenders, he knows when to cross and when to shoot while executing both with poise and accuracy.

5. Percy Tau

The 2023 CAF Interclub Player of the Year will carry the burden of being South Africa's chief playmaker.

This will not bother 'The Lion of Judah' who will relish the opportunity of stealing the limelight on the continent's grandest stage.

Approaching the peak of his powers, Tau must absorb the attention Mali would have singled him out for, giving his teammates the vital inches that define victory or defeat.

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Hugo Broos' AFCON Group E rivals

Sports Brief recently compiled a breakdown of the coaches rivalling Hugo Broos in AFCON's Group E.

The Belgian is the oldest of the four and is the only one to have won an AFCON, doing so in 2017.

With three teams possibly progressing, only one head coach may suffer the embarrassment of an early exit.