Bafana will be on their toes in friendlies, says defender
BAFANA Bafana defender Diamond Thopola has warned against taking low-ranked Guinea-Bissau and Angola lightly in their international friendlies.
Bafana first lock horns with the west Africans, who are ranked 80 in the world and 19 on the continent on Saturday, before turning their attention to neighbours Angola on Tuesday.
The Guinea-Bissau game will be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, while Bafana will be in East London for the first time since 2003.
The Angola game will be played at the Buffalo City Stadium (kickoff 7pm). Angola are ranked 147 in the world and 45 in Africa.
On paper, Bafana Bafana, who are ranked 62 in the world and 13 in Africa, should have an easy day at the office against both sets of visitors.
But the Chippa United defender has warned against taking Angola lightly, saying rankings will count for nothing.
“We take each game seriously,” he said.
“We just have to go out there and give it our best shot. Most of the teams when they play against South Africa go all out because they always want to beat us.
“We are well aware of that. We have studied both opponents and know what to expect from them.
“We are more than ready for them.”
Thopola has been called up to Bafana twice before but did not get an opportunity to play.
Yesterday, he was part of the team that did duty in the 1-0 win over Lamontville Golden Arrows in a warm-up game.
Thopola described the mood in the camp as good.
“The coaches have explained what they want from us,” he said. “For us, these are not just friendly games because we are preparing for the bigger picture.
“We have to start now with these two friendly games to test ourselves on how ready we are on what we want to achieve. We will push very hard and give it our best. “I would appreciate it if I get a chance to play. It means a lot for me to be part of the national team.
“This means for me that as a player I am growing.
“I’ve been playing well in the PSL and doing well for my team, but it’s up to the coach if he plays me or not,” he said.
The consequences of underestimating opponents were displayed when Bafana were stunned by Mauritania, ranked 106 in the world and 33 in Africa, in a world cup qualifier two years ago.
Bafana are well aware that should they underestimate their opponents, they might come second best.