From the kit man to the Bafana Bafana team bus driver almost everyone associated with the senior national football side exudes a self-assurance that tonight’s home leg of the second-round World Cup qualifier against Angola is a done deal.
Whether it was midfielder Dean Furman and goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands sharing a joke in the foyer of their beachfront hotel, striker Thamsanqa Gabuza strolling on the promenade or Andile Jali obliging a passer-by’s request for a selfie, there’s an air of calm confidence about this team.
With a two-goal cushion from the 3-1 win in the away leg and a fairly clean bill of health, South Africa have hardly been in a more comfortable position to complete a mission. Yesterday defender Rivaldo Coetzee confirmed his finger injury was history. That left only fellow defender Anele Ngcongca as a doubtful starter after he injured his ankle in the first leg. The France-based player sat out Sunday’s training session at the match venue.
Whereas initially suspended midfielder Jali was set to remain with the squad, Bafana coach Ephraim Mashaba has had a change of heart and decided to release the scorer of their third goal on Friday in Benguela. He was set to leave camp yesterday.
“Jali requested to be withdrawn from the team, and, after careful consideration, we felt as the technical team that since we are not going to use him it would be best to allow him to go. We believe he will be better off spending the time with his family as he has to return to his club in Belgium soon after the match. He showed a lot professionalism by training with the team on Sunday and gave his all as if he was going to be part of selection,” said Mashaba.
Jali’s absence didn’t faze winger Mandla Masango, who underlined the confidence in the camp and added a dose of reality. The former Kaizer Chiefs star, now based in Denmark, said they had “more than enough players” to fill the void left by Jali’s suspension, and that whoever played had an opportunity to “showcase their talent and take the team forward”.
South Africa are aiming to be among the 14 winners tonight to join Uganda, Zambia, DR Congo, Morocco, Gabon and Guinea in the group qualification round. That 20-team process will kick off late next year to determine the five African teams that will eventually go to Russia.
First Angola must be accounted for, cautioned Masango, who expects to do a bit less attacking than normal. “It’s going to be a tough encounter and we shouldn’t take the two goals as an advantage because anything can happen. Defending is part of the game so we must make sure we don’t concede. We must get back as much as we can and get them on the counter.”
Pointing to Ghana’s goalless outing away to island nation Comoros, and Swaziland holding off Nigeria for a similar first leg result, Masango said there was much to play for and therefore they could not rest easy.
“I was surprised at some of the results, so in football you can never take anything for granted. All the countries want to compete and be among the best.
“The guys are focused; they know what’s at stake. We want to make the country proud. It’s a matter of qualifying for the World Cup, which is most important. As a player qualifying for the World Cup is the biggest thing,” said Masango.
South Africa boast a strong record against the Palancas Negras, with one defeat in 11 outings. That loss was a recent African Nations Championship qualifier.
Kick-off tonight is 7pm.
South Africa: Jackson Mabokgwane (captain), Anele Ngcongca, Thabo Matlaba, Rivaldo Coetzee, Erick Mathoho, Bongani Zungu, Mandla Masango, Thulani Serero, Tokelo Rantie, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Wayne Sandilands, Ronwen Williams, Siyabonga Nhlapho, Clayton Daniels, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Dean Furman, George Lebese, Mpho Makola, Themba Zwane, Dino Ndlovu, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Phumlani Ntshangase - Cape Argus