Bafana, Zambia feel the heat

This wasn’t quite the send off Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba, still unbeaten, had in mind.

While on any other day Zambia would have been a worthy opposition to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea in two weeks’ time, the heat turned this encounter into a slog.

So, a goalless draw would not have been a surprise, until substitute Thuso Phala punished a lethargic Zambia defence and scored the only goal of the match in the 81st minute.

But it was a pity Orlando did not come to the party. What was a shocker was the number of fans that arrived here on a Sunday afternoon to bid the national team farewell as they head, first to Gabon for more friendly matches, and then their base in Mongomo.

Bafana are in Group C – labelled the group of death – in the Nations Cup and will face Algeria, Senegal and Ghana.

Chipolopolo are participants at the continental showpiece, but yesterday’s performance was one to forget for both teams. Bafana defender Erick Mathoho was perhaps the standout player in a match that probably needed more water breaks than what was allowed.

This match was about trying to adapt to the blazing temperatures – the players just didn’t know it until well into kick off.

Bafana will be roasting in Equatorial Guinea and they will need to work on their passing game and counter-attacks if they are to make anything of their trip to the Nations Cup.

Mashaba, the Bafana coach, began the road to Mongomo without Thulani Serero after omitting the Ajax Amsterdam playmaker from his final 23-man squad last week. But with Andile Jali and Dean Furman missing in midfield through injury and club commitments respectively, Bafana couldn’t show their true colours.

The probablr starting line-up was there for all to see. Darren Keet appears to have convinced Mashaba that he should take over from the late Senzo Meyiwa permanently between the goals and will be guarded by the towering Mathoho and young Rivaldo Coetzee, who seems to improve with every game.

It is the front line that needs tweaking. Yesterday, the shots on target were scarce, and striker Bongani Ndulula showed the nation what he is capable of – and it’s not much.

Bernard Parker took Ndulula’s place on the stroke of halftime. The Kaizer Chiefs forward then made a strong case as to why he should partner up with Tokelo Rantie during the all-important matches at the Nations Cup.

The final 15 minutes, especially after Mashaba brought on goalscorer Phala, Sibusiso Vilakazi and Themba Zwane, were more what the fans were desperate for. Bafana can build from this, but can they bring the trophy home?