Withdrawals won’t deter Bafana
SA determined to finish off Zambia in Chan qualifier on Sunday
Despite the mass withdrawal of players from the squad, giving up will not be an option for Bafana Bafana when they meet Zambia in the second leg of the African Nations Championship (Chan) qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday (3pm).
Bafana had to cancel their midweek training session because only 15 players were available after 10 were withdrawn by their clubs.
However, Kaizer Chiefs rescued the national team by releasing Kgotso Moleko, Sibusiso Khumalo and Siyabonga Ngezana to join the camp. However, their teammate Ryan Moon withdrew on Wednesday due to injury, according to Safa.
Bafana surrendered a twogoal lead in the first leg, which ended in 2-2 at Buffalo City Stadium last weekend.
Captain of the side Mario Booysen also shared the same sentiments, emphasising the importance of scoring goals.
“We must score as many goals as possible. We have been doing well and we cannot throw in the towel just like that. It is important that we focus on our game. In the first leg we played well but lost concentration later in the match ... we have learnt from that.’’
Assistant coach Thabo Senong will lead the team as head coach Stuart Baxter focuses on the upcoming crucial 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Cape Verde next month.
Safa yesterday said Quinton Fortune will no longer travel to Zambia and will remain behind to help Baxter to monitor players during the weekend games.
A victory for Bafana will secure them a spot in the tournament which will be hosted by Kenya between January and February next year.