Senong encouraged by Bafana synergy

Mamelodi Sundowns players dominating Bafana Bafana’s team sheet has been a topic of discussion from the South African public since the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) started.

In Bafana’s last game against Tunisia, as many as eight Sundowns players were in the line-up. Only Percy Tau, Evidence Makgopa and Sphephelo Sithole were the three players that are not the books of the Brazilians.

Hugo Broos has understandably shown faith in most of the players that helped Sundowns claim the inaugural Caf African Football League (AFL) last year.

Former Bafana assistant coach Thabo Senong is encouraged by the synergy in the team as they gear up to face Morocco in the last-16 round of the Afcon today.

“If you look at our spine, in goal you have Ronwen Williams

and our back pairing of Mothobi Mvala and Grant Kekana. Teboho Mokoena also playing with Themba Zwane, so our spine is very strong,” he said on Radio 2000.

“They are always competing in Caf tournaments playing for Mamelodi Sundowns and doing well. When you have a strong spine, your team will be able to perform and function under pressure.

“They are able to carry all the players that are around them as well. We have to also give credit to the wide attackers and fullbacks.”

Senong, who was second in command to Shakes Mashaba at the 2015 Afcon, said that with the core of the team in place, it could be the tonic Bafana need to progress further in the competition.

“I was speaking to a colleague that Bafana are giving me hope this time, because they have seven players always carrying the four on the pitch. That is a formula for success for any team.”