Benni McCarthy's Kenya may not have made the best start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, but South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane has warned they will be dangerous opponents at Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.
Kenya have a single point from their opening two games against Eritrea and Guinea, but as co-hosts of the continental finals, they have already secured their place at the 24-team tournament, which will be staged from 19 June to 17 July next year.
Mosimane says that makes them dangerous opponents as they have nothing to lose and can either go on the attack against Bafana Bafana or sit back and defend, knowing they do not need to win.
"Kenya are a tricky opponent because you're playing against a team that has nothing to lose. They've already qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations, so the result doesn't affect their place at the finals," Mosimane told reporters on Thursday.
"That gives them the freedom to approach the game however they want. They can come out and play against us, or they can sit back, defend and try to frustrate us.
"What if they want to work on their defensive organisation and resilience ahead of the finals? They can use this game for that. Or perhaps they want to go toe to toe with us. This is the opportunity for them to do it because the result doesn't matter as much to them.
"That's what makes it a difficult game. It means much more to us than it does to them."
Mosimane said his side must be prepared for all eventualities and wants to see the same level of performance they produced in their opening two qualifiers, a 2-1 home victory over Guinea and a 5-0 away win against Eritrea.
"We have to be ready for whatever approach they take. I expect the same level of performance that we showed against Guinea, and we have to find the answers to whatever Kenya put in front of us," Mosimane said.
"If we want to go to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, we have to do what is required. We have to win the match. It's as simple as that."
Mosimane also warned of the threat posed by Kenya striker Michael Olunga, comparing him to Guinea's Borussia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy.
"Last time we were dealing with Guirassy from Borussia Dortmund, and now we have Michael Olunga. It's almost the same challenge, although Olunga is probably faster than Guirassy.
"He's a difficult player to deal with. I don't think he played in their last one or two matches, but he's the captain of the team and a legend in Kenya.
"Now they've brought him back for this match, so we have to be ready for that challenge as well."