Bafana’s Riyaad sees Cosafa Plate final as a stepping stone to bigger things

THABO SENONG will have the reins for Bafana Bafana in tomorrow’s Cosafa Plate final against Namibia at Moruleng Stadium (Kick-off 7pm), after Stuart Baxter was given his marching orders in their 2-0 victory over Botswana on Tuesday.

Baxter was sent to the stands after he reportedly swore in his appeal to the fourth match official to allow his team doctor onto the pitch, as one of his players remained flat on the ground following a head injury.

Baxter said he should have reacted better towards the official, who was taking his time in signalling the referee to stop play.

Senong, who has been serving as Baxter’s assistant throughout this tournament, will hope to lead Bafana to a Plate final victory, that serving as a consolation prize after the senior national side failed to defend their Cosafa Cup title by losing 1-0 to Tanzania in their Cosafa Cup quarter-final clash.

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates midfielder, Riyaad Norodien expressed his elation of reaching the Plate final, adding that a further good performance might see some of the players who participated in this tournament getting national call-ups for the 2018 Fifa World Cup and 2019 Afcon qualifiers.

“We just need to continue working hard and keep raising our hands in each and every opportunity we get,” said the 22-year old midfielder, who scored an opener in that 2-0 victory over the Zebras.

“We want to be called-up in (more important) Bafana fixtures but what’s key for each and every one of us is to make sure that maintain the hunger and the desire to play for the national team.”