May Mahlangu says the Bafana Bafana players do not need coach Shakes Mashaba to motivate them ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers‚ because “it's every players’ dream to play at the World Cup”.
Bafana begin their World Cup qualifying campaign with a group D clash against Burkina Faso at Stade Du 4 Aout on Saturday (8pm SA time) and the players believe they can qualify for football's biggest competition.
A good start is what Bafana need‚ to avoid having to play catch-up or rely on results elsewhere to qualify.
They need to get the job done themselves and a win on Saturday would give reason to believe they can finish on top of the group‚ ahead of Burkina Faso‚ Senegal and Cape Verde.
“We have great players in the team. Everyone wants to play at the World Cup because it's the biggest tournament‚” said Mahlangu‚ who will start the game from the bench after Mashaba named his starting line-up on Friday night.
“We don’t even need motivation. This is the World Cup and it’s everybody’s dream to play at the World Cup.
“I have been in and out of the team and I am glad to be back‚” the 27-year-old midfielder added.
Mashaba has decided to start the match with Bidvest Wits striker Eleazar Rodgers ahead of the player he used in every 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier‚ Thamsanqa Gabuza.
Rodgers has made a decent start since joining the Clever Boys from Platinum Stars‚ scoring two goals in seven appearances.
The 31-year-old will have to quickly adapt to this level of international football because Bafana desperately need someone they can rely on to convert the chances they create.
Judging by the team’s training session at the match venue on Friday night‚ Mpho Makola will play just behind Rodgers.
Thulani Serero also gets to start – on the right flank – despite being an outcast at Ajax Amsterdam. Keagan Dolly‚ who has been playing a lot of football‚ will be out on the left wing.
Without Andile Jali‚ Hlomho Kekana will partner Dean Furman in central midfield.
Thulani Hlatshwayo will captain the team and will play alongside Mulomowandau Mathoho in central defence. Ramahlwe Mphahlele and Thabo Matlaba have been picked as the full backs.
It's a strong team that has to deliver.
Bafana starting XI: Khune‚ Mathoho‚ Hlatshwayo‚ Mphahlele‚ Matlaba‚ Kekana‚ Furman‚ Dolly‚ Serero‚ Makola‚ Rodgers
Bafana subs: Mabokgwane‚ Mhlongo‚ Mobara‚ Manyisa‚ Mahlangu‚ Vilakazi‚ Mncwango‚ Gabuza‚ Patosi‚ Nhlapho‚ Langerman
TMG Digital/TMG Sport
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