Picture: Bafana Bafana during Cosafa Cup
By REGINALD KANYANE
Bafana Bafana go into their final Group A match against Eswatini knowing that they need a victory to make life easier for themselves and ensure safe passage into the next round of the COSAFA Cup. The two neighbouring countries face off at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon, 2 July 2024 and kick off is at 3pm.
A semi-final place will be on the line and coach Helman Mkhalele conceded that his charges have to rise to the challenge after successive draws against Mozambique (1-1) and Botswana (0-0).
“We have to make sure we bounce back tomorrow and win our game because if we don’t get a win, any results other than a win could send us home. We might not know what will be happening in the other group game between Mozambique and Botswana.
“We will make a few changes to the team that drew against Botswana on Saturday. It is still in our hands and it is crucial that we do the business against Eswatini by making sure that we score more goals. We aalso need to ensure that we do not concede because the goal difference could become a factor,” he said.
Mkhalele further said it is important that they keep a clean sheet and score as many goals as possible. He added that Thabang Sibanyoni was not given very much support upfront in the previous outing and he will ensure that this changes against Eswatini.
“For us to be able to score those many goals, I believe that we will need to make sure that, we beef up our striking force and more, especially give Sibanyoni the support that he needs upfront as he has won almost each and every high ball played to him.
‘Now, we need someone who will anticipate those high balls and use them effectively,” said Makhalele.
The Guardian 