Bafana Bafana’s next match against Namibia in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is just hours away and coach Hugo Broos is confident that his charges know exactly what they’re up against, and what is needed for them to come out victorious.
Lessons were learnt against Mali in the tournament opening match and the Belgium tactician says the team knows exactly what they need to change.
“In a 90-minute match, everyone’s is not focusing for the full match. You’re not always fully concentrating, but we know where Mali took their chances and what we need to do better. We have done our analysis and fully understand our mishaps, and against Namibia we are hoping it is a different result,” said the coach.
Khuliso Mudau, South Africa’s left-back, said the team is gunning for victory. “We want to win badly, but we also know that our neighbours understand us. I play with Peter Shalulile at club level and understand the way he plays and thinks, he will know the same about us. This is the danger, but we are here playing for our country now and it’s different. What we know becomes our strength because we want a win, and we want to progress,” he said.
South Africa have not come out tops in their group and while many might feel the motivation of the team has dipped, the coach feels very different.
“My players are performing well, at practice we are doing everything right – it is now up to them to take that confidence on the practice pitch and apply it to their game. Only they can do that, and I believe they can and that they will.”
South Africa face Namibia on Sunday 21 January 2024 at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo and the match is set for 10pm local time.