Bafana can reach World Cup – Keet
BAFANA Bafana can qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia‚ Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Darren Keet said.
Keet‚ who returned from injury for his club too late to be named in Bafana coach Stuart Baxter’s squad for this month’s must-win games against Senegal‚ did not hesitate when asked if he believed South Africa could beat the Lions of Teranga twice.
“Of course I think we can qualify,” the goalkeeper said.
“Everyone said: ‘ Do you really think you can do anything against Nigeria?’
“And we ended up not just drawing, but beating them away‚” Keet said‚ referring to the 2-0 win by South Africa over the Super Eagles in Uyo, in Baxter’s first match in charge in June.
“Senegal are no different. They are not as good as they used to be.”
“They are a good side, obviously‚ with good individuals. But as a team Senegal are not as good as they used to be – there’s no doubt about that.
“So there’s no reason why we shouldn’t beat the Lions of Teranga at home and away.
“I mean‚ at home we should beat them regardless. Away‚ it will be a bit hostile out there
“But I think we’re a good enough team. I think the footballers here [in South Africa] are so good we should be able to compete with any team around.
“It just comes down to being mentally tough and ready‚ and making sure we are prepared for the games.”
Bafana suffered two crippling defeats against Cape Verde in Septem- ber – then bounced back with a 3-1 win against Burkina Faso last month.
That has left South Africa needing to beat Senegal in Polokwane on November 10 and in Dakar on November 14 – to reach Russia next year.
Keet said his Kaizer Chiefs counterpart – Bafana No 1 Itumeleng Khune – had made a big difference returning from injury against Burkina Faso‚ and would play a crucial role against Senegal.
“Of course, I mean [Khune] has been there for 10 years.
“He has been around the Bafana Bafana team for long‚ so he brings a lot of confidence to the team and a lot of experience‚” the keeper said.