By OBAKENG MAJE
Bafana Bafana coach, Hugo Broos said traversing the African continent is not for the faint-hearted. This comes after Bafana Bafana have had one of their longest trips to Nigeria, spanning more than 30 hours until eventually arriving at their hotel on Thursday morning.
Broos’ charges arrived in Uyo, Nigeria, just after 11h00 local time on Thursday morning, this after the initial charter flight out of Johannesburg was delayed by 4 hours on Wednesday. He further said after eventually leaving OR Tambo International Airport, the team had to stay over in Port Harcourt on MD-2, but despite the long hours of travel, they are determined to tackle the task at hand.
“We are more focused than ever. Traveling in Africa is difficult, so that is not our focus. We are focused on the job at hand and that is the game against Nigeria.
“Local media seemed more focused on the team’s injuries than the game itself, making sure they had as much information on every injury concerning Bafana camp. We will see about Mudau, there is much talk about him and other injuries,” said Broos.
He added that Nigeria’s dangerman is Ademola Lookman, then there is Victor Osimhen, who is doubtful. Broos said they are not focusing on that, but on the game itself.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana marksman, Percy Tau said: “We have the ability and proven that at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Anyone that plays on Friday night has the resilience, as well as the experience to rise to the occasion.
“We play in CAF, so we know what it’s like traveling and playing. It is never easy, but we are professionals. We are ready and we are hungry to play. This is all that we are here for.”
Bafana Bafana boast a clean bill of health, with most of the players that reported for duty just carrying slight injuries. The match is scheduled for 20h00 local time (21h00 SA Time) at Godswill Akpabio Stadium.
The Guardian 