Thabo is called in from the cold
Thabo Mnyamane has an opportunity to nail down a place in a new-look Bafana Bafana in the two upcoming friendlies.
The forward makes his return to the national team for the first time since scoring on debut in a 2-1 friendly win under Shakes Mashaba in Mbabane, Swaziland, in March 2015.
Mnyamane has become a more dynamic‚ technically sound attacker since then and made a transfer from struggling University of Pretoria to titlechasing SuperSport United at the beginning of 2016-17.
Mnyamane’s six goals in all competitions and assists have seen him being recalled under caretaker coach Owen da Gama for Saturday’s friendly against Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and Wednesday’s game against Angola in East London.
The forward said he was happy to join the Bafana camp after a 4-0 win for SuperSport against Sudan’s Al-Ahly Shendi in Atteridgeville on Sunday, for a 7-2 aggregate Caf Confederation Cup first-round victory.
“Obviously the result gave me a moral boost and a bit of confidence. Coming into the camp, I know that I have to fight for the jersey‚ I have to work hard‚” Mnyamane said.
“Yes‚ I can get results with my club but I also need to prove myself in the national setup.
“I believe when two countries meet there is no such thing as a friendly because pride is at stake. I don’t see these games as friendlies – I see them as games the country needs to win and showcase that we are still here as Bafana Bafana,” he said.
“I don’t believe you can regard any other country as a smaller team. Each country is special and Guinea-Bissau and Angola are good countries – they play good football.
“Guinea-Bissau are a good team. We know West African teams are a bit physical. It’s going to be a tough match.
Mnyamane is among a host of exciting young attackers called up by Da Gama including Wits’ Phakamani Mahlambi and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Percy Tau.