Losing to Burkina Faso will put pressure on Bafana’s campaign

ball and picking up scraps in the penalty area – it’s an indication that Mashaba wants to play it safe in Ouagadougou. The plan is probably to keep things tight and compact, and look to hit the Burkinabe on the counter, a strategy that will suit Rodgers’ style of play.

But, for Bafana, there are already a few concerns ahead of the qualifier, especially on the injury front. Eric Mathoho, who was crocked in Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Free State Stars last week, is doubtful, while Ajax Cape Town defender Rivaldo Coetzee is likely to be withdrawn from the squad. Coetzee tore his hamstring against neighbours Cape Town City two weeks ago.

But, irrespective of who eventually lines up in the Bafana starting side on Saturday, one thing is certain: Defeat is out of the question. A draw, and an opening point, will do, especially away from home, but losing to the Burkinabe will radiate so much more heat on Bafana’s qualifying programme – and, by extension, fuel the fire from critics on the already heavily under pressure Mashaba.

BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD GOALKEEPERS: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (Orlando Pirates), Brighton Mhlongo (Pirates) Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Abbubakar Mobara (Pirates), Diamond Thopola (Chippa United), Tebogo Langerman (Mamelodi Sundowns), Eric Mathoho (Chiefs), Thabo Matlaba (Pirates) MIDFIELDERS: Dean Furman (SuperSport United), May Mahlangu (Dinamo Bucuresti, Rumania), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Oupa Manyisa (Pirates), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren, Belgium), Keagan Dolly (Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (SuperSport), Mpho Makola (Pirates), Hlompho Kekana (Sundowns) STRIKERS: Eleazar Rodgers (Wits), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Pirates), Thobani Mncwango (Polokwane City), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Sundowns), Tokelo Rantie (Genclerbirligi, Turkey)