Bafana out to make nation proud

Bafana were left reeling in Praia on Friday evening, as Cape Verde beat them 2-1, a desperate result for Stuart Baxter’s men, tempered only slightly by the fact that Senegal and Burkina Faso drew in Dakar the following day.

South Africa, somehow, are only a point off the top of Group D at the halfway stage of their qualifying campaign, with only the group winners going to Russia.

“The result was disappointing, but we have done our match analysis, we know where we made mistakes,” said Zungu at Bafana training, in reference to defensive errors that allowed Cape Verde to overturn a 1-0 deficit.

“But the guys look sharp and we are looking forward to the next game. It is possible (to turn the result around). There is a lot of quality in the team, we just have to keep going and make sure we make the nation proud.”

Zungu was singled out for criticism over his performance in Praia, with Bafana coach Stuart Baxter suggesting that both he and Lebogang Manyama were distracted by deadline day transfers to other clubs. Zungu joined Amiens SC in France from Vitoria de Guimaraes in Portugal, while Manyama joined Konyaspor in Turkey from Cape Town City.

“The deal did not affect me,” insisted Zungu, however.

“I was not 100 percent (in Praia), I have accepted that, but I don’t have to make excuses, I have to pull up my socks and if he (Baxter) gives me another opportunity I have to work hard to help the team.”

Bafana coach Stuart Baxter has suggested he will make some changes to the team for this evening’s game at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Thulani Serero is available again after injury while one forced change will be for defender Erick Mathoho, suspended after his red card in Praia.

Zungu could also miss out, if Baxter decides to go for Andile Jali or Kamohelo Mokotjo, who impressed as a substitute on Friday.

The 24-year-old Zungu, meanwhile, has taken a bit of a risk by moving to Amiens, a newly-promoted Ligue 1 side, from Guimaraes, with whom he was set to play in this season’s Uefa Europa League.

“The club (Amiens) is very ambitious and has made very good signings. I was confident it was going to be the right move for me,” said Zungu.

“I know they came from Ligue 2 but they just convinced me with the signings they made and their project for the season.”