Bafana to face their nemesis
Bafana Bafana have a mammoth task ahead of them this weekend.
FILE PICTURE: South Africa celebrates. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)
Gordon Igesund’s men need a draw or a win against Nigeria tomorrow to claim a spot in this year’s African Nations Championships.
“We are in a difficult situation now,” said former Bafana midfield maestro John Moshoeu. “A very difficult one.”
Bafana failed to beat Mali in midweek to have an easy passage to the quarterfinals, having won comfortably a week ago against Mozambique.
They now face old foes in Nigeria in the ultimate group A game at Cape Town Stadium.
“This has been our biggest problem in the national side,” said Moshoeu.
“I do not know what it will take to solve it.”
Bafana are tied on four points with Mali while Nigeria have three and a win for the Super Eagles would send them into the next round.
Mali face Group A whipping boys Mozambique who are winless in the tournament and given the Eagles’ displays against Bafana and Nigeria, it is hard to think they can lose to the Mambas.
Another former Bafana player, Helman Mkhalele, said Bafana’s attitude towards Chan is the main reason the team is bound to fail.
“Our attitude was not right ahead of the tournament,” Mkhalele said. “And that has killed us, I think.”
Nigeria have have had the whip hand over Bafana as in eight matches Bafana have won once, drawn once and lost the rest to Stephen Keshi’s men.
Former left-back David Nyathi said this must be something Bafana aim to change as well tomorrow.
“Our dismal record does not make good reading especially ahead of the game,” said Nyathi.
“This may give Nigeria an edge. And it should not be like this. We are playing at home.”
