Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki admits he is expecting a tough game against west African giants Ghana in their opening Afcon 2021 qualifier, but believes in the quality of his team.
The national team open their qualifying campaign with a tricky away game against Ghama at the Cape Coast Stadium on Thursday night, before travelling back to South Africa to prepare for their second clash of the international window with Sudan at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday.
Ntseki, speaking to Safa’s official website, admits that his side is focusing on picking up the three points against Ghana before turning their attention to Sudan.
‘You can ask any coach of the national team, they all tell you time is not on our side, but we have to do the best we can,’ said Ntseki.
‘The aim here is to get three points and then focus on the clash against Sudan on Sunday. I am just happy all the players are here with us and were able to put in the required work to get ready for this massive mission ahead of us.
Final @BafanaBafana training session before facing Ghana at the Cape Coast Stadium tomorrow at 9pm SA time in a #2021AFCONq pic.twitter.com/BpTzTcPkAr
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 13, 2019
‘We did well at the time, and I am almost confident the boys haven’t forgotten that. I hope it works as a morale boost that anything is possible,’ added Ntseki on his team’s performance at Afcon 2019.
In what will be the new coach’s first competitive game in charge, Ntseki is thankful to have a full squad to pick from for the clashes.
‘We want to thank the clubs and coaches for releasing the players we have in camp. The good thing about the players here is that they did not have any major injuries.
‘It is a tough one playing Ghana away, but I think if you look at the history of Bafana Bafana, we do very well when we play away. It is a tough match and we are ready for it because we believe that we have the quality to do well.
‘We called up 25 players and they are ready to play whenever they are given a chance, so yes, we do have two matches, but our concentration is overcoming the first hurdle, which is Ghana.
‘When we are done with Ghana we will prepare tactically and mentally for Sudan,’ the coach concluded.
