Mashaba to eliminate complacency

SHAKES MASHABA wasn’t overly concerned with the fact that a few players may be a bit under-done as he prepares the Bafana Bafana squad for a vital 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against Mauritania.

SA national football team coach Mashaba yesterday named a 25-man squad to do duty against the west African nation, with the tie scheduled for Nouakchott on September 5.

Despite key men like Dean Furman, Thulani Serero, Mandla Masango and Tokelo Rantie all being short of a trot, they were, nevertheless included, while there was a recall for Kaizer Chiefs left-back Tsepo Masilela, pictured above.

The big omission is from the squad is hardworking Orlando Pirates midfielder Oupa Manyisa, but Mashaba’s decision is probably based on the fact that the player hasn’t had a rest in the last few months. With Pirates involved in African inter-club competition as well, Manyisa has had to cope with a heavy playing schedule.

With goalkeepers Brilliant Khuzwayo and Brighton Mhlongo injured, there was also a recall for SuperSport United custodian Ronwen Williams. The top keeper’s omission from previous Mashaba squads has always been a bit of a mystery, but, at least he now has an opportunity.

As expected, brilliant Ajax Cape Town teenager Rivaldo Coetzee retains his place in the squad.

“Even though this match comes after a well-deserved rest, not just for the players but also for the technical team, due to the spacing in between, it has also killed the momentum of the team,” said Mashaba.

“But I have complete confidence in the players that we have selected and I believe they will deliver. Some of the players have been on a long break and only started playing recently, but I know we will get the result we want.

“If you look at the squad we have picked, it is based on the opposition. Mauritania recently lost by a narrow margin to Cameroon, which means we cannot take them lightly. We need to drum into our players that they should not look at the opposition, and they should stop asking who Mauritania is. Let’s give them the respect they deserve. We need to score first and demoralise them because, if they score first, they might make it difficult for us to come back. In short we have to go there prepared, so we can get a result.”

The match against Mauritania takes on greater significance because Bafana could only manage a goalless draw against Gambia in their opening Afcon qualifier in June. The other team in the group is Cameroon, the favourites.

Mashaba emphasised that his top priority was to eliminate complacency from his squad. Currently, Bafana are ranked 72nd in the world, with Mauritania a distant 113th.

“Rankings don’t mean much on the field of play,” said Mashaba. “Mauritania held Cameroon for the better part of their match in June, away in Cameroon, so it shows we need to be at our best if we are to come away victorious.”

The Bafana squad heads into camp on Sunday, August 30, in Johannesburg, after which they will depart for Nouakchott on Thursday, September 3. – Rodney Reiners