Shakes confesses to Bafana strikers’ crisis of confidence
SOUTH Africa might have scored two goals in the friendly against Angola for only the second time in their last 10 games.
But the debate about lack of finishing ability continued, with Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba admitting a crisis of confidence among his attackers.
“The inability to score goals has definitely affected the players. It has become an issue that is over-emphasised and it is now a critical area,” said the coach after the 2-1 win in Cape Town on Tuesday, thanks to goals from Thansanqa Gabuza and Ayanda Patosi.
“We can practise, practise, practise, but on the day of the match it is all about how big is your big match temperament. The players don ’ t seem to be prepared to take risks. When they get into the box, the first thing they think of is ‘ If I miss this, what is going to happen ’. We are missing that split second decision-making.”
As to a solution to a dilemma not only affecting only the national team but also the clubs in the Premier Soccer League, Mashaba said: “I will say it is an issue for everybody until we find a striker with in-born striking qualities (sic). If a national coach tells you he has a solution he would not be telling the truth.”
Meanwhile, all the local-based players in the Bafana squad for the last two matches against Gambia and Angola will stay in camp for this weekend ’ s CHAN 2016 qualifier against Mauritius.
Mashaba said he would add a few more names to make up for the departure of the foreign-based contingent, who cannot play.
SA begin their campaign to try and qualify for the next CHAN finals in Rwanda next January with a two-legged tie against Mauritius. The first leg is at Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday.
Should SA advance, they will meet Angola or Swaziland in October to decide a place at the 16-team tournament.