Bafana wary of Mauritius
Cape Town - Coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba insists that the return leg between Bafana Bafana and Mauritius on Sunday (13:00 SA time) is far from over despite the visitors carrying a healthy 3-0 lead from the first leg.
The South Africans arrived at Sir Seewoosagar Ramgoolam International Airport, in Mauritius on Friday evening and coming from the chilly Johannesburg weather, it was relief for the travelling party who were greeted by some humid Indian Ocean conditions.
Coach Mashaba said despite a sharp contrast in weather conditions, the boys would not be affected by the situation.
"We recently played in Durban and moved to Cape Town which have almost the same conditions as here. Yes, it is by far warmer here than both Durban and Cape Town but that does not give Mauritius an advantage," he said.
Mashaba insisted that the encounter was far from being decided despite having a healthy first leg lead.
"We will have to grind a result. The Mauritians will try to take the game to us but that might also work in to our advantage as they might leave gaps at the back. In the first encounter at Dobsonville Stadium, they had too many numbers at the back and seemed not too worried with the 3-0 defeat. That tells you something; they hope to spring a surprise but we have done our homework," he added.
"We are not taking anything for granted. We want to finish the return leg match with a flourish and I am happy with our training and physical shape so far. The boys are raring to go and the spirit in the camp is sky high as you can see."
The Bafana Bafana coach said it would be a sweet win if they could shut down the islanders.
We have not paid any attention to their problems like having a new coach or other matters. We are concentrating only on our game and I am quite happy with the prevailing morale in the camp."
Captain Itumeleng Khune also appeared and sounded very confident going into Sunday’s clash mobilising his troops throughout the journey.
Bafana Bafana are scheduled to fly back to South Africa on Monday.
Bafana Bafana starting 11 v Mauritius: Itumeleng Khune (C), Tshepo Gumede, Kwanda Mngonyana, Wandisile Letlabika, Lehlohonolo Nonyane, Gift Motupa, William Twala, Musa Nyatama, Mandla Masango, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Siphelele Ntshangase
Subs: Jackson Mabokgwane, Vukile Mgqibisa, Modjeka Madisha, Thabang Monare, Bonginkosi Ntuli, Ndumiso Mabena, Thabo Mnyamane.
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