Coach Hugo Broos says he has an “idea” of what his starting XI might look like for the Mexico clash, but the Jamaica game could make up his mind either way.
The defence
Captain Ronwen Williams is nailed on to start in goal, while Khuliso Mudau (right-back) and Mbekezeli Mbokazi (centre-back) also appear certain starters. But the other two positions in the back four seem to be up for grabs.
A fit Aubrey Modiba is a strong contender to start at left-back, but is he over the hamstring issue that kept him out of the second leg of the CAF Champions League final?
And even if he is fit, will Broos opt for the bigger, stronger Samukelo Kabini, who is arguably the better defender but not as effective going forward?
The coach has flip-flopped between the two of late and, while Kabini is more assured defensively, Modiba is vastly more experienced, with the side likely to come under heavy pressure.
The second centre-back spot is also up for debate, and it appears to be between the two youngsters, Olwethu Makhanya and Ime Okon.
Mbokazi is relatively short, so it would be a risk to play Nkosinathi Sibisi alongside him. It worked in the PSL, but this is another level. Khulumani Ndamane is also naturally a left-sided centre-back, like Mbokazi.
Makhanya and Okon are both tall and strong, making it something of a toss-up, though perhaps Okon has the edge given that he played at a higher level in Bundesliga II this season compared to Makhanya in Major League Soccer.
Up front
Lyle Foster is the lead striker and is expected to start, but there is no doubt he is short of confidence, not helped by his penalty miss against Nicaragua last week.
He needs a goal from somewhere to lift his mood, and then you get the feeling he will be back to his sharpest. Broos also suggested he may be short of match fitness after sitting out the end of the Premier League season with Burnley.
If Broos intends to play balls in behind the Mexico defence, then Iqraam Rayners may be the better option, though his hold-up play is not as strong.
It comes down to style of play and, with Bafana unlikely to see all that much of the ball, Foster is probably the man to get the nod.
Maseko vs Moremi
Tshepang Moremi had the jersey at the Africa Cup of Nations, but a recent dip in form has put him under pressure.
Thapelo Maseko is back in the mix and looks the more dynamic of the two, and probably the better goalscorer. But in this team, the winger is also likely to have to track back and play an important defensive role.
Oswin Appollis is expected to start on one flank, with one of Maseko or Moremi on the other.
Mofokeng to start behind the striker?
Relebohile Mofokeng is coming off a superb six months in which he played a major role in Orlando Pirates lifting the league title.
Themba Zwane is fit again, though he has not had as much game time. On his day, however, he remains a match-winner.
There is no doubt Mofokeng is the more explosive option, but Zwane’s calmness and experience could prove crucial for the side.
It is a difficult call for the coach because, while Mofokeng may seem the obvious choice, Broos has made no secret of his admiration for Zwane’s ability to control the tempo in the attacking third.
Have they acclimatised?
Pachuca sits around 2,400 feet higher than Johannesburg, so there is additional altitude to deal with, as well as the jet lag created by the eight-hour time difference between South Africa and Mexico.
That is perhaps the biggest concern, and it affects people differently. It may be a breeze for some players and more difficult for others.
The Mamelodi Sundowns players who were at the FIFA Club World Cup last year will have experienced some of those conditions before.
Expect South Africa’s performance to be a little sluggish on Friday, especially as nobody will want to pick up an injury just days before the biggest game of their lives.