Bafana star: we will keep ’em out
CRUNCH QUALIFIER: ‘WE NEED TO BRING OUR ‘A’ GAME’
‘We will respect Nigeria, but we will not fear them’.
Buhle Mkhwanazi believes Bafana Bafana can continue their proud defensive record when they take on Nigeria in a Group 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier this afternoon at the FNB Stadium.
South Africa have not conceded a goal yet in qualifying for Cameroon 2019, though they have at times struggled at the other end of the pitch. If Bafana’s defending and attacking is in harmony today, and they can beat the Super Eagles, they will qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations next year.
“It is an important encounter, we really need to bring our ‘A’ game on the day and I trust and believe we will deliver,” said Mkhwanazi.
“We are not under pressure, to be honest, we just need to play our own game. A clean sheet is a team effort, we work as a team, defending or attacking … I believe we can continue (to keep a clean sheet) if we are just disciplined and keep calm.”
Bafana did beat Nigeria in their opening Group E match in Uyo in March 2017 and though the Super Eagles have since climbed to the top of the group, there is much talk of revenge for Gernot Rohr’s men.
“I don’t know how to answer that,” added Mkhwanazi, when asked about Nigeria’s revenge mission.
“We will just take the encounter the way it comes. We will respect them, but we will not fear them … we are really focused and hoping for a positive result.”
Mkhwanazi did not play in that game in Uyo, but he has played in Bafana’s last three qualifiers, alongside his Bidvest Wits clubmate Thulani Hlatshwayo. He doesn’t, however, feel that this has necessarily helped them to be successful together at international level.
“Obviously we play together at club level, but it is a different environment when you get to the national team,” said Mkhwanzi.
“Whoever you play with, you need to complement each other on the day.”