Ways Shakes ‘Boys’ can deliver the goods
BAFANA Bafana have a recent history of making things difficult for themselves at home.
Angola are there for the taking and here are five ways they should go about that business:
1) Keep two strikers: Thamsanqa Gabuza and Tokelo Rantie are not everybody’s cup of tea but their incisive runs and clinical finishing showed up the Angolan defence for what it really was. The midfield supply is crucial but Angola seemed to be caught with their pants down when Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba fielded two centre-forwards. If Angola field their same rickety back four, the party trick should work again.
2) Kamohelo Mokotjo factor: The Holland-based midfielder has had to watch Bongani Zungu and Andile Jali pull the strings in Oupa Manyisa’s absence. While he is highly rated, Mokotjo has not quite broken into the starting 11. There are schools of thought that suggest Mokotjo is a better option and with Jali suspended, he can finally show what he is capable of.
3) Play to the whistle: This is easier said than done but South Africa did not get the rub of the green in Benguela. That made the penalty they received all the more confusing when an earlier and legitimate penalty was waved on. The spectre of diabolical officiating, despite the televising of these games, continues to plague African football. It is best they play to the whistle.
4) Composure: This is not to say Bafana should listen to AKA’s “diss” track but the national team has shown a worrying trend of conceding early and not being able to hold on to leads in competitive matches. The resolve showed to haul Angola in after letting in a goal in 90 seconds must not be underestimated. It is those small rocks of confidence that can be used to build a foundation for a successful qualification campaign.
5) Charity begins at home: Bafana’s home record under Mashaba is solid but not formidable. This is something Angola will think about, especially when Bafana were held to a goalless draw by Gambia when they last played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on June 13. An opportunity to bury the home ghost to rest awaits Mashaba’s men, especially with the daunting Afcon 2017 qualification mountain they have to climb.