This week they face the stubborn Ethiopia in Addis Abba, and a win should guarantee our boys a place in the qualifying stages.
Having outsmarted CAR last week in Cameroon with a 3-0 caution-despite the shenanigans that took place prior to the game- Bafana’s resolute attitude worked magically ahead of this Sunday’s must win battle.
Players’ are geared up and with the same attitude intact; our opposition should be discarded easily.
Since Gordon Igensund’s appointment and new technical team, Bafana has grown confidence all round an aspect we lacked with previous predecessors.
With only light knocks and no serious injuries to team Bafana should dominate the game from the first whistle; suffice to say concentration lapse in last minutes of the game should be addressed as rapid as possible. It has become of a serious concern.
“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 Captain Itumeleng Khune after the win in Cameroon.
However, Ethiopians known worldwide as athletes more than soccer nation, has gone on to make their country proud following good wins thus far.
Last week, they beat our neighbours Botswana 2-1 in Gaborone during qualifying games and currently lead the pack with 10-points.
If they pull wool over Bafana’s eyes this Sunday, they qualify for Brazil, mathematically.
‘Walia Antelopes’ as they’re known should be applauded for transforming sport, particularly football as a ‘congregation’ for Ethiopians.
Free State Star’s and Ethiopian striker Fikru Tefera believes the home side will triumph and secure a place in the next round.
“South Africa is not going anywhere. Actually they must just forget about the World Cup because there is absolutely no way that they will win against us at home,” he told Kickoff.
“We will beat them and go on to massacre CAR in our last game to finish as the group leaders. Actually we want to finish off this group this weekend by beating Bafana, “says Tefera, who won the Best Goal of the Season award.
But they should not do that at our expense, finish and klaar!
Meanwhile, Banyana face Zimbabwe at Sinaba Stadium on Saturday for another International Friendly.
This is part of their African Women’s Championships preparations in January, a tournament that offers passage to the 2015 World Cup.
They walloped Mozambique 5-0 last week in Nelspruit.
