Durban - A return to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, and to the venue of South Africa’s last competitive win, will bring back happy memories as Bafana Bafana target a morale-boosting victory over Gambia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
The bar was set high when qualification for the last edition was achieved with a match to spare.
South Africa thereafter disappointed with early exits from the 2015 Afcon finals in Equatorial Guinea and the Cosafa Cup on home soil.
In between those events, Bafana drew with Nigeria at home and beat Swaziland away in international friendlies.
Durban sets a bright mood for some of the regulars in the squad, such as Thulani Serero, Rivaldo Coetzee, Anele Ngcongca, Oupa Manyisa and Andile Jali.
They featured in the 2-1 victory over Sudan in November that booked Bafana’s spot in Equatorial Guinea.
Following a topsy-turvy week for coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba, in which players pulled out for a variety of reasons, the squad could do with a dose of positivity to tackle the unknown Gambians.
After one player withdrew, citing ”family commitments”, and another failed to show up after his wedding, there may be doubts about players’ motivation.
Before the camp began, defender Tefu Mashamaite was excused after he said he needed to attend to “family commitments”, while striker Tokelo Rantie indicated he might arrive late because he was to get married.
Mashaba accepted both reasons, but after Rantie’s no-show he had to call up replacement striker Thamsanqa Gabuza two days before this Group M opener.
If the withdrawals question the players’ commitment, the nation can rest assured those who are in camp will give their all.
Besides several newcomers hungry for action at the highest level, there are a few seniors raring to have a go at Gambia.
The changes for this game essentially cover the absences of central defender Eric Mathoho, midfield anchor Dean Furman and forwards Rantie and Bernard Parker.
Among the established stars, midfielder May Mahlangu and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune won’t be spurred purely by national pride. Both are soon to be out of contract with their clubs, Mahlangu with Konyaspor of Turkey and Khune with Kaizer Chiefs.
Turning out for South Africa affords them an international platform to remind potential suitors about what they offer.
The pair are favourites to start when the clash gets under way at 3pm.
Khune’s vast experience places him ahead of Jackson Mabokgwane, who is likely to be the bench-warmer as Brilliant Khuzwayo was felled by flu midway through the camp.
Khune has a chance to close in on André Arendse’s record as the most-capped goalkeeper.
Mahlangu, back in the fold after being banned by Safa for not honouring a call-up late last year, has been a key performer at training.
And with Mashaba set to rely on a loaded attacking midfield to supplement the inexperienced striking unit, Mahlangu will have ample opportunity to win over the supporters.
He could feature in a five-man midfield with Ayanda Patosi, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa and Thulani Serero.
Defender Thulani Hlatshwayo enjoyed the last qualifiers and looks forward to another solid run with a home win.
“We started well against Sudan last year, so it’s important we start well again because only one team go through from the group,” Hlatshwayo said after the team’s final preparation on Friday.
“A lot of guys went through the last qualifiers and got a taste of Afcon, and we want to do better than last time. It’s very important to start well with a few goals and not concede.”
A backline of Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Anele Ngcongca and Hlatshwayo pretty much selects itself, although Marc van Heerden and Clayton Daniels have been pushing hard to sneak in. Chances are they will feature in Tuesday’s friendly against Angola in the Mother City.
Mashaba could throw in one of the surprise call-ups, such as Jabulani Shongwe, Gift Motupa, or Siphelele Ntshangase in a shadow striker role.
The Gambians were also set to train at the match venue on Friday.
Bafana squad
Goalkeepers: Jackson Mabokgwane, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Itumeleng Khune
Defenders: Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Anele Ngcongca, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Marc van Heerden, Clayton Daniels, Patrick Phungwayo, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Tshepo Gumede, Ntsikelelo Nyauza
Midfielders: Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, May Mahlangu, Thulani Serero, Mandla Masango, Bongani Zungu, Ayanda Patosi, Thuso Phala, Jabulani Shongwe
Strikers: Thamsanqa Gabuza, Bonginkosi Ntuli, Vuyisile Wana, Gift Motupa, Siphelele Ntshangase
Saturday Star