Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund showered his charges with praises after an impressive showing against the Central African Republic (CAR) on Saturday where the national team ran away 3-0 winners to keep alive the chances of qualifying for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

“The CAR team is really a tough side. They showed it both in Cape Town, and again today (Saturday). But I am proud of my boys; they had so much belief and worked for each other.

“I like the team spirit. The guys on the bench were celebrating with the players on the field – and that is what builds true camaraderie which I believe we had today. I just want to celebrate this win tonight (Saturday) and tomorrow I will start thinking about Ethiopia,” said Igesund.

“I am proud of the players because between our match with Lesotho last weekend, we had only one training session due to some setbacks we do not want talk about again. Winning 3-0 away from home shows some character. I am happy with the score line though we dropped a bit in the second half. We can build the momentum from this result going to Ethiopia.”

Igesund said despite his side remaining on second position after Ethiopia defeated Botswana 2-1 in Lobatse, Bafana Bafana were still masters of their own destiny.

“We are not interested in what happened in the other match, we have to play both sides and we will be looking forward to the challenge. We do not expect favours from anyone. We must do all the work ourselves,” added the Bafana Bafana mentor.

Igesund also had time to wish former South African State President Nelson Mandela well.

“First of all, I would like to thank the people of Cameroon for being great hosts and making us feel at home. Secondly, and on behalf of the entire Bafana Bafana squad, I would like to wish former President Nelson Mandela a speedy recovery as we heard he was rushed to hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning. Our prayers are with him and we ask the whole world to also pray with us during these difficult times for Madiba,” concluded Igesund.

Captain Itumeleng Khune said he was impressed by the way his side were gelling.

“I am a big fan of team effort. This is not about me or anyone else but Bafana Bafana. Three goals and a clean sheet, we could not have asked for anything better. We showed mental strength out there. The approach to the game was positive that is why we came out tops. For now, we need to enjoy the victory but must quickly remember that we still have a mountain to climb in Addis Ababa. Both teams have won their matches and they will go into this clash high in spirits. But I am positive we can complete this mission,” said Khune.

Bafana Bafana next play Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday, 16 June.