22 January 2013
Bafana Bafana’s players, looking ahead to Wednesday’s clash with Angola, believe they still have what it takes to get through to the second round of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), despite their goalless opening match draw with Cape Verde.
“We are looking forward to Wednesday’s game,” Bafana defender Anele Ngcongca told SAnews on Wednesday. “All the teams in our group are good and Angola is no different; they have a lot of experience.
“We learnt from the past match that we have to be more patient, a bit more attractive going forward, and try to create some chances so we can score goals,” Ngcongca said. “We kept a clean sheet and we are all positive about the next match.”
Everyone needs to be composed: Serero
His views were echoed by midfielder Thulani Serero: “I am not 100 percent fit, but I am getting there with every match. Angola is a very strong side. We watched them on television and they are really an enterprising side. But I believe the time has come to go there on Wednesday and get maximum points.
“We need to get the momentum going,” Serero said. “A win will be good for the spirit and can change everything. It is critical that we start scoring those goals.
“Everyone needs to be composed and play their normal game. One thing we learnt from the Cape Verde match is to be patient.”
I’m ready to do the business: Mphela
Striker Katlego “Killer” Mphela said it was imperative for the national team to show character. “At international level you need to keep trying, have a big heart and a strong mentality, more so because we are playing teams who have loads of experience.
“A perfect example was the Group B match between Niger and Mali,” Mphela said. “The latter kept on going and eventually scored. So that is what we need to do. Just keep on working hard.
“It is not long that I have returned from injury and I am working on my fitness which is looking very good. If I am picked to start against Angola, I think I am more than ready to do the business,” Mphela said.
Bafana Bafana will have their last training session at the match venue, Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium, at 4:30pm on Tuesday.
South Africa takes on Angola on at 5pm on Wednesday, followed by Cape Verde against Morocco at the same venue.
Source: SANews.gov.za
