Bafana
Bafana head coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba has announced a squad of 26 players
for the upcoming ORANGE Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2015 qualifiers against Congo (Brazzaville),
retaining the bulk of the team that successfully did duty against Sudan and
Nigeria recently.
South Africa travel to Pointe Noire where they will play against Congo on
Saturday, 11 October 2014, and again meet the same team on Wednesday, 15
October at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (20h05 kick off).
”We needed back-up in some positions due to the unavailability of some
players, but it is more or less the same team that played Sudan and Nigeria –
it’s a question of if it ain’t broken why fix it?
“We are looking forward to the two matches and it will be important to do
well away but there is no pressure, we take one match at a time. The good thing
is that we play them in our backyard almost immediately after the first match
and we don’t have to wait for weeks to get it out of the way,” said Mashaba.
The Bafana Bafana mentor is aware of the threat that is posed by Congo
who defeated both Nigeria and Sudan in the first two matches and lead the Group
at this early stage.
Congo has six points, followed by Bafana Bafana with four points. Nigeria
is third with one point while Sudan still has to collect points.
“It’s going to be a tough match no doubt about it. I saw the way they
played against Nigeria; they are a good side. It is crucial for us to try and
win these two matches – away and at home – and we should almost be near
qualification if we achieve that.
“But Congo is on form and they will not want to give away their top spot
easily, so we have to fight to swop places. So we can’t take them for granted
as they can be very dangerous,” added Mashaba.
Bafana
Bafana assemble for camp on Sunday, 5 October in Johannesburg, then move to the
Rustenburg at the Royal Marang Sports Complex.
South
Africa departs for Congo on Thursday, 9 October and on their return, fly
directly to Polokwane on Sunday, 12 October.
Goalkeepers: Senzo Meyiwa, Daren Keet, Dumisani Msibi
Defenders: Anele Ngcongca, Ayabulela Magqwaka, Sibusiso Khumalo, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Eric Mathoho, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Kwanda Mngonyama, Tefu Mashamaite
Midfielders: Themba Zwane, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Dean Furman, Masango, Keagan Dolly, Thulani Serero , Reneilwe Letsholonyane
Strikers: Bongani Ndulula, Tokelo Rantie, David Zulu, Kermit Erasmus, Fagrie Lakay
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