There have been some detours in Bafana Bafana's journey to today’s 2018 Fifa World Cup group D qualifier against Burkina Faso at Stade Du 4 Aout, but the players have proved to be mentally strong up to this point.
Bafana were left frustrated on Thursday when they had to start their training an hour after the scheduled time when a swarm of bees forced them to change their training ground.
On Wednesday, a few hours after landing in Ouagadougou, Bafana were taken to Stade Municipal which has artificial turf. This was obviously not ideal for Bafana because they will be playing on grass, but they managed to get through an hour of light training.
It has not been the smoothest ride this week, but Bafana midfielder Mpho Makola has no complaints. He’s focused on collecting the three points to ensure the team does not fall behind in the standings.
“The week has not been so bad though. We travelled on Tuesday and we got here on Wednesday. Immediately we went to training just to stretch. I think the preparations have been going quite well,” said the Orlando Pirates star – a key member of Shakes Mashaba’s Bafana squad.
Unlike Bafana, Burkina Faso have qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon and they are determined to make the 2018 World Cup in Russia the first one they participate in.
Makola is aware the Stallions have a lot going right for them at the moment, but Bafana are desperate to make up for missing out on Afcon qualification and they’ll fight to get the three points.
“I have watched them play a couple of times, so I am familiar with their faces. It’s crucial that we start off on a good note. We need to redeem ourselves for not qualifying for Afcon. Our minds are on the same thing, which is to qualify for Russia,” said Makola.
There’s a serious need for the team to convert the chances they create in front of goal. Previously Bafana has been punished for letting opponents off the hook and they cannot allow that to happen today.
They need to be composed in front of goal and not be intimidated by the many opposition supporters expected to be at the stadium.
“One of the games that actually cost us in the Afcon qualifiers was the game against Gambia at home, where the guys created so many chances but could not take them. We need to rectify those mistakes that cost us dearly. Hopefully we will put the ball in the back of the net.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Dean Furman admitted that the team would miss the presence of Andile Jali in central midfield. Jali was out nursing an injury when Mashaba named his 25-man squad for the match and his no-fear approach will be missed.
“He is one of the top performers and he has a big impact on the way the team plays. But the players who are selected in his place have to step up and show that we are capable of taking the jersey,” said Furman.
Kick-off is 8pm SA time.
A few hiccups but Bafana is raring to go
Bafana were left frustrated on Thursday when they had to start their training an hour after the scheduled time when a swarm of bees forced them to change their training ground.
On Wednesday, a few hours after landing in Ouagadougou, Bafana were taken to Stade Municipal which has artificial turf. This was obviously not ideal for Bafana because they will be playing on grass, but they managed to get through an hour of light training.
It has not been the smoothest ride this week, but Bafana midfielder Mpho Makola has no complaints. He’s focused on collecting the three points to ensure the team does not fall behind in the standings.
“The week has not been so bad though. We travelled on Tuesday and we got here on Wednesday. Immediately we went to training just to stretch. I think the preparations have been going quite well,” said the Orlando Pirates star – a key member of Shakes Mashaba’s Bafana squad.
Unlike Bafana, Burkina Faso have qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Gabon and they are determined to make the 2018 World Cup in Russia the first one they participate in.
Makola is aware the Stallions have a lot going right for them at the moment, but Bafana are desperate to make up for missing out on Afcon qualification and they’ll fight to get the three points.
“I have watched them play a couple of times, so I am familiar with their faces. It’s crucial that we start off on a good note. We need to redeem ourselves for not qualifying for Afcon. Our minds are on the same thing, which is to qualify for Russia,” said Makola.
There’s a serious need for the team to convert the chances they create in front of goal. Previously Bafana has been punished for letting opponents off the hook and they cannot allow that to happen today.
They need to be composed in front of goal and not be intimidated by the many opposition supporters expected to be at the stadium.
“One of the games that actually cost us in the Afcon qualifiers was the game against Gambia at home, where the guys created so many chances but could not take them. We need to rectify those mistakes that cost us dearly. Hopefully we will put the ball in the back of the net.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Dean Furman admitted that the team would miss the presence of Andile Jali in central midfield. Jali was out nursing an injury when Mashaba named his 25-man squad for the match and his no-fear approach will be missed.
“He is one of the top performers and he has a big impact on the way the team plays. But the players who are selected in his place have to step up and show that we are capable of taking the jersey,” said Furman.
Kick-off is 8pm SA time.
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