It’s a big week for Bafana Bafana as the arduous journey to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia takes its first important step.
Rest assured, it is a really difficult task, especially taking into consideration the strength of the group the South Africans find themselves in - alongside Senegal, Burkina Faso and Cape Verde.
Only the winning country secures a place on the plane to Russia in two years’ time. As such, there is little room for error.
Bafana’s opening World Cup qualifying match is on Saturday when they are in Ouagadougou to face Burkina Faso. It’s a real challenge and Shakes Mashaba better have his preparation, selection and tactics spot on.
One player who certainly won’t be lacking in confidence as the countdown to the crunch Ouagadougou encounter ticks down is Wits striker Eleazar Rodgers.
He is in superb form and played an influential role in Wits’ 3-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the MTN8 in Nelspruit on Saturday (including a goal and an assist).
His resurgence at Wits, at this early stage of the season, resulted in a recall to the Bafana squad - and it’s looking increasingly likely that he will play a role against Burkina Faso. Based on the strengths of Rodgers’ game - his height, aerial ability, movement off the ball and picking up scraps in the penalty area - it’s an indication that Mashaba wants to play it safe in Ouagadougou. The plan is probably to keep things tight and compact, and look to hit the Burkinabe on the counter, a strategy that will suit Rodgers’ style of play.
But, for Bafana, there are already a few concerns ahead of the qualifier, especially on the injury front. Eric Mathoho, who was crocked in Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-0 win over Free State Stars last week, is doubtful, while Ajax Cape Town defender Rivaldo Coetzee is likely to be withdrawn from the squad. Coetzee tore his hamstring against neighbours Cape Town City two weeks ago.
But, irrespective of who eventually lines up in the Bafana starting side on Saturday, one thing is certain: Defeat is out of the question. A draw, and an opening point, will do, especially away from home, but losing to the Burkinabe will radiate so much more heat on Bafana’s qualifying programme - and, by extension, fuel the fire from critics on the already heavily under pressure Mashaba.
BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD:
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Jackson Mabokgwane (Orlando Pirates), Brighton Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Wits), Abbubakar Mobara (Orlando Pirates), Diamond Thopola (Chippa United), Tebogo Langerman (Mamelodi Sundowns), Eric Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders: Dean Furman (SuperSport United), May Mahlangu (Dinamo Bucuresti, Rumania), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands), Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates), Ayanda Patosi (Lokeren, Belgium), Keagan Dolly (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (SuperSport United), Mpho Makola (Orlando Pirates), Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Strikers: Eleazar Rodgers (Wits), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Thobani Mncwango (Polokwane City), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tokelo Rantie (Genclerbirligi, Turkey)
Cape Argus