Confed Cup could make up for Bafana woes – Furman

Bafana Bafana ailed to qualify for the Fifa World Cup in Russia next year, but football fans can still finish the year with smiles on their faces if Matsatsantsa win the continental title.

United are playing against defending champions TP Mazembe on Saturday night in Atteridgeville after playing 2-1 in the first-leg played in Lubumbashi.

“We have a great opportunity to represent the country and the league on the continent. If we go and win this competition then I know how proud the country would be.

“It wouldn’t be making up for what we have done with Bafana, but it would be a certainly great achievement for SuperSport and one that the country can be proud of,” said Furman.

“Growing up in the England, I have not seen a whole country getting behind a team in continental football just like they do here. Everyone is stopping us and wishing us well and hoping us well and hope we win,” he added.

United have somewhat become cup kings of South African football – at least in the past two season – having made reaching cups a habit. Furman says it is down to the team’s appetite to succeed.

“It is a nice feeling to win trophies… that is why we are excited about this game because when you lift the trophy you remember those games more than other games. What I have noticed about the team is that we have guys who are very capable to rise to the occasion, we don’t go into our shells, we relish them,” said the Bafana international.