FOR Bernard Parker, tomorrow’s all or nothing 2014 World Cup qualifier against Botswana represents more than just a chance to redeem himself after his own goal gifted Ethiopia a crucial winner in June.
It is Bafana Bafana’s last shot at resuscitating a qualification campaign that has been in ICU since the get-go – by beating Botswana in order to capitalise if Ethiopia slip up against the Central African Republic.
And self-belief, Parker said, was key.
Known for blasting left-footed shots into the back of the opposition net, Parker was unlucky to head the ball into the back of his own in the 2-1 defeat, a shot that skewed off him like a leading edge would deflect off a cricketer’s bat.
Parker put South Africa in the lead that day but after the Waila Antelopes equalised, all momentum in the match and indeed Group A went Ethiopia’s way.
“Coach Gordon Igesund stressed that we must up our self-belief,” said Parker.
“He said he believed in us but we needed to believe in ourselves. And we must have high team spirit – even if you’re on the bench, starting or are in the stands.
“We are focused on winning this game although we are aware that we must also get a result that favours us in the game between the CAR and Ethiopia. By God’s grace, hopefully we will go through.”
But under the hood, there are mechanics in Bafana’s game that must be mended, top of the list being the team’s agitated approach in front of goal.
Parker has been Igesund’s most reliable attacker, having scored in each of the qualification matches that the coach has been in charge of.
Bafana have scored 15 goals in their past 10 matches, including the Cosafa Cup, but the coach has implored his players to have a better killer instinct.
“The coach has been talking about our decision-making in the final third,” said Parker.
The Zebras will ask questions, too, of the Bafana defence come 3.30pm at Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the dynamic wing duo of Joel Mogorosi and Mogakolodi Ngele will be the most threatening combination.
Payback time for Parker
It is Bafana Bafana’s last shot at resuscitating a qualification campaign that has been in ICU since the get-go – by beating Botswana in order to capitalise if Ethiopia slip up against the Central African Republic.
And self-belief, Parker said, was key.
Known for blasting left-footed shots into the back of the opposition net, Parker was unlucky to head the ball into the back of his own in the 2-1 defeat, a shot that skewed off him like a leading edge would deflect off a cricketer’s bat.
Parker put South Africa in the lead that day but after the Waila Antelopes equalised, all momentum in the match and indeed Group A went Ethiopia’s way.
“Coach Gordon Igesund stressed that we must up our self-belief,” said Parker.
“He said he believed in us but we needed to believe in ourselves. And we must have high team spirit – even if you’re on the bench, starting or are in the stands.
“We are focused on winning this game although we are aware that we must also get a result that favours us in the game between the CAR and Ethiopia. By God’s grace, hopefully we will go through.”
But under the hood, there are mechanics in Bafana’s game that must be mended, top of the list being the team’s agitated approach in front of goal.
Parker has been Igesund’s most reliable attacker, having scored in each of the qualification matches that the coach has been in charge of.
Bafana have scored 15 goals in their past 10 matches, including the Cosafa Cup, but the coach has implored his players to have a better killer instinct.
“The coach has been talking about our decision-making in the final third,” said Parker.
The Zebras will ask questions, too, of the Bafana defence come 3.30pm at Moses Mabhida Stadium, and the dynamic wing duo of Joel Mogorosi and Mogakolodi Ngele will be the most threatening combination.
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