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Bafana aim for a positive start vs Niger
Bafana Bafana has arrived in Nelspruit for their final phase of preparations ahead of the crucial 2012 Africa Cup of Nations match against Niger on Saturday.
The match will be played at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga.
Kick off is at 20H30.
This is Bafana’s opening match of the qualifiers and they would like to ensure the campaign starts off on a high. Next month South Africa travels to Sierra Leone for the second of the qualifiers.
The squad spent four days training at the Hoerskool in Randburg. Coach Pitso Mosimane is confident his players will keep the South African flag flying high.
“We can’t do much in four or five days but we are happy with the work we have put in so far. We don’t know what strategy Niger will employ but we have prepared for all eventualities. We are hoping for an open game, and if not, we will have to come up with some plans.
They are typical West Africans so we can expect a defence-minded play, and a lot of fouls. Everyone is saying Niger is lowly-ranked and they should be easy, but it will not be the case because there is not such in international football.
We would like to have a good start as this will increase the confidence of the players and to the fans going forward. The ideal situation would be getting the first goal and breaking the ice.
We need lots of movement to penetrate their defence and we need to use set-pieces when we get them. In short, we have to throw everything at them,” said Mosimane.
Captain Aaron Mokoena is adamant South Africa has to start on a high to ensure a smooth passage to qualification.
“It’s been a tough week of preparations but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, now we looking forward to the match. This is the start of the 2012 AFCON campaign and we need to get off on a high note. But let’s not fool ourselves, this is not going to be an easy match because we all know there are no easy matches in international competition.
We cannot under any circumstances afford to underestimate them.
Physically we are fit and ready for the match, but we have to be stronger mentally and stick to our game plan. They most probably are coming here for a draw and we should not grant them that wish,” said Mokoena.
In the other Group match, Egypt will host Sierra Leone on Sunday.
Meanwhile Bafana Bafana expressed their condolences to the Ntwagae family following the passing on of their son Oscar Ntwagae.
Ntwagae has featured fifteen times for Bafana Bafana.
“We as Bafana Bafana are saddened by the sudden loss of this talented footballer, South Africa is now poorer without the likes of Oscar.
He was a tough, no-nonsense defender and we probably will never have anyone like him.
We would like to say to the Ntwagae family to be strong during these difficult times and our thoughts are with them,” said coach Mosimane.
