Previews

No room for Bafana failure

Pitso barks instructions at Teko

Pitso barks instructions at Teko

Pitso Mosimane may still be celebrating Bafana Bafana's win over Ghana, but he needs to put the champagne away ahead of the African Nations Cup qualifier with Niger.

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Bafana are 1/6 to beat Niger with SkyBet

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Saturday's clash at Mbombela Stadium will represent the new head coach's first competitive match in charge of the national team.

Although South Africa impressed in the friendly victory over the Black Stars last month, there were several cracks in Bafana's armor.

Mosimane admitted as much in his pre-match press conference. "We have to sharpen our sword. Against Ghana, a lot of the final passes went astray," he said.

"We need to take our chances in front of goal. I just hope Niger don't play negatively and try defend the whole match."

Mena have failed to qualify for an AFCON tournament and with a lowly world ranking of 147 coupled with financial difficulties, they are unlikely to buck that trend.

However, 'Jingles' is determined to ensure his men put on a good show against the minnows as Bafana have a history of failing to impress against relatively weaker African opponents.

"We are looking to continue where we left off, but we can't be complacent," he said.

"We need to prepare properly and professionally in a disciplined environment for the game against Niger, and that is exactly what we are doing."

Niger presents the easiest start for Bafana in qualifying with Sierra Leone and Egypt to follow in Group G. With just one team guaranteed a spot in the next round, Mosimane and company can ill afford any slip ups, especially with the defending champions once again looking like the continent's premier powerhouse.

Bafana's players have admitted Niger are a closed book, but the defence can expect a stern test from Mena's attacking trio of Ouwo Moussa Maazou, Alhassane Dante Issoufou and Kamilou Daouda.

At the back, Bongani Khumalo is expected to partner Aaron Mokoena in the central defensive roles while Tsepo Masilela and Anele Ngcongca are set to be deployed as the full-backs with Itumeleng Khune donning the gloves.

Upfront, Bernard Parker will provide support for Katlego Mphela, but the real selection poser for Mosimane comes in midfield.

Siphiwe Tshabalala is certain to start on the left flank, with new vice-captain Steven Pienaar on the right. But there are four key players vying for the two central roles in Reneilwe Letsholoyane, MacBeth Sibaya, Thanduyise Khuboni and Andile Jali.

Teko Modise is once again likely to start on the bench as he was afforded just over 10 minutes of game time in Orlando Pirates' 2-1 victory over Vasco da Gama.

No matter which 11 takes the field against Niger though, Mosimane has made it clear that anything less than maximum points would be a massive failure.

The South African Football Association and the national team's supporters fully agree.

Posted: 03/09/10 11:49

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