Bafana Bafana will throw the game at Mauritania, said coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba after announcing his squad for next month’s 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Nouakchott.After starting with a 0-0 draw against Gambia in Durban, South Africa are likely to need a win against 113th-ranked Mauritania on Saturday September 5, to stand a realistic chance of qualifying for Gabon 2017.
Mashaba had some surprises, notably the inclusion of previously overlooked Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela and Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola, and also the exclusion of Bucs playmaker Oupa Manyisa.
The coach struck a balance between players who can create chances and score from them.
Tokelo Rantie, whose withdrawal from the squad to face Gambia to go on honeymoon left Bafana decidedly thin upfront, has been included.
“Our approach will be, ‘laat ons gaan, manne’. Nobody looks back. We are on one point. It says to us we’ve got to win the coming game,” said Mashaba.
“We’re going to throw the game at Mauritania. We don’t want to give them time to come at us. From the first whistle let’s go up. But like I always say, it’s going to be a question of how do we do it, and when and why we do things. We won’t go out and just rush forward.”
Former Getafe defender Masilela – easily the best left-back in the PSL last season – gets another opportunity to make an impression on Mashaba.
The 30-year-old, overlooked because of an emphasis by Mashaba on rebuilding, was called as a replacement for injured Patrick Phungwayo for the squad that did duty in the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea in January. Masilela declined the call, saying he was injured.
Makola had a quiet start to the season before scoring a stunning long-range brace in Pirates’ 4-1 league win against Chippa United on Tuesday.
Mashaba said a squad that might be affected by players having been between clubs, and still rusty early in a new season, was selected on the attributes players could bring to this game.
“We’ve been monitoring Makola for a long time. He’s been playing in Pirates’ games in Africa, and it’s worth giving him a chance,” the coach said.
“We don’t have a single player who can win a game. We’re looking at departments. A goalkeeper who can keep a clean sheet, in the defence players who can protect the keeper and give numbers when we get the ball.
“In midfield players who can make things happen and give us an element of surprise. In the strike-force, people who will hammer the net.”
Cameroon have three points in Group M, Mauritania and South Africa a point, and Gambia zero. The winners of 13 groups, and two best runners-up, qualify.
The game at the Stade Olympique will be played at 5pm Mauritania time (7pm SA time).
Safa have opponents lined up for two international friendlies next month, which the association will announce next week.
Bafana to fire on all cylinders
Mashaba had some surprises, notably the inclusion of previously overlooked Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela and Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola, and also the exclusion of Bucs playmaker Oupa Manyisa.
The coach struck a balance between players who can create chances and score from them.
Tokelo Rantie, whose withdrawal from the squad to face Gambia to go on honeymoon left Bafana decidedly thin upfront, has been included.
“Our approach will be, ‘laat ons gaan, manne’. Nobody looks back. We are on one point. It says to us we’ve got to win the coming game,” said Mashaba.
“We’re going to throw the game at Mauritania. We don’t want to give them time to come at us. From the first whistle let’s go up. But like I always say, it’s going to be a question of how do we do it, and when and why we do things. We won’t go out and just rush forward.”
Former Getafe defender Masilela – easily the best left-back in the PSL last season – gets another opportunity to make an impression on Mashaba.
The 30-year-old, overlooked because of an emphasis by Mashaba on rebuilding, was called as a replacement for injured Patrick Phungwayo for the squad that did duty in the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea in January. Masilela declined the call, saying he was injured.
Makola had a quiet start to the season before scoring a stunning long-range brace in Pirates’ 4-1 league win against Chippa United on Tuesday.
Mashaba said a squad that might be affected by players having been between clubs, and still rusty early in a new season, was selected on the attributes players could bring to this game.
“We’ve been monitoring Makola for a long time. He’s been playing in Pirates’ games in Africa, and it’s worth giving him a chance,” the coach said.
“We don’t have a single player who can win a game. We’re looking at departments. A goalkeeper who can keep a clean sheet, in the defence players who can protect the keeper and give numbers when we get the ball.
“In midfield players who can make things happen and give us an element of surprise. In the strike-force, people who will hammer the net.”
Cameroon have three points in Group M, Mauritania and South Africa a point, and Gambia zero. The winners of 13 groups, and two best runners-up, qualify.
The game at the Stade Olympique will be played at 5pm Mauritania time (7pm SA time).
Safa have opponents lined up for two international friendlies next month, which the association will announce next week.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos