Ngcongca aims to spoil Angola’s party
ANELE Ngcongca and his Bafana teammates are out to spoil the 40-year independence celebrations in Angola, writes Tshepang Mailwane.
There has been very little excitement here ahead of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier at Ombaka National Stadium today, but Bafana are not fooled as the match could be the climax of the country’s celebrations.
“We heard that Angola are celebrating 40 years of independence. I think the stadium will be crowded, but we are ready to disappoint them,” Ngcongca said yesterday before Bafana’s final training session at the match venue.
“It’s an important game for us because we believe the future of South African (football) is in our hands. We have not qualified for the World Cup in a long time. This is an opportunity to make the country proud.
“Our aim is to win, spoil the celebrations and close the chapter in the second leg in Durban (on Tuesday).”
The France-based Ngcongca, who knows a number of the Angolan players from his playing days in Belgium, has warned his teammates about the threat they pose. “We have watched some of their videos with the video analyst … I know a couple of them who play in Belgium. (Jonathan) Buatu is a strong defender and there’s (Charleroi midfielder) Clinton da Mata. The guys in our team have a clue of what Angola is about.”
The right back has stressed the importance of keeping a clean sheet today before Tuesday’s second leg.
“It’s important to keep a clean sheet. I always say to my defenders that if we don’t concede, then it’s a win.
“Angola have quick players and they wait for you to make a mistake. We should make sure that they do not shoot.
“They scored good goals when we played them in Cape Town and in the African Nations Championship.”
Striker Dino Ndlovu said they were ready. “I have seen the hunger and the determination in the boys, as well the discipline and dedication from the team.”
The winner over two legs will join 19 other African countries in the third and final phase of the World Cup qualifiers.