The South African men’s senior national team gets their 2024 Cosafa Cup campaign underway when they take on Mozambique at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, in the Eastern Cape on Wednesday.
The game will kick off at 6pm.
Ahead of the game, Bafana Bafana assistant coach Helman Mkhalele said they expect a tough encounter against their neighbours. A side he expects to be fired up and highly motivated. Mkhalele will be in charge throughout the tournament.
“We are aware of the challenge. But looking at the players we have and the work that we have done in the last couple of days, I believe we are standing a good chance of doing well. Even though it’s not going to be easy,” Mkhalele said.
Midnight Express, as Mkhalele was fondly known during his playing days, emphasised the importance of settling down quickly. Also ensuring they keep the tricky Mozambican side at bay.
Need to create many goal-scoring opportunities
“We need maximum concentration, and to make sure that we take the game to Mozambique. As a team, we have to create as many goal-scoring opportunities as possible and convert them,” he said.
“And defensively, we have to make sure that we don’t concede in the first few minutes. Because that would work against us.
“So, a positive early start would be our priority. And making sure that each and every chance that we get, we make use of it. Because that will also help us to settle down very well,” Mkhalele added.
Bafana has been pitted against Botswana, Mozambique, and eSwatini in Group A.
Bafana Bafana Cosafa Cup final squad:
Mondli Mpoto (Royal AM). Jaedin Rhodes (Cape Town City). Olwethu Mzimela (AmaZulu FC), Ethan Brooks (AmaZulu FC)). Samukelo Xulu (SuperSport United), Liam Bern (Cape Town Spurs), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Devin Titus (Stellenbosch FC). Keanu Cupido (Cape Town City); Mfundo Thikazi (Royal AM); Thabo Moloisane (Stellenbosch FC); Asanele Velebayi (Cape Town Spurs). Rushwin Dortley (Cape Town Spurs), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu FC). Athenkosi Mcaba (Stellenbosch FC), Ashley Cupido (Cape Town Spurs), Malebogo Modise (Chippa United). Thabang Sibanyoni (AmaTuks), Sirgio Kammies (Chippa United), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United). Brooklyn Poggenpoel (Chippa United), Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay FC), Antonio van Wyk (Stellenbosch FC).
