Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba believes his number one, Itumeleng Khune, is one of the best goalkeepers on the planet.

‘He is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world and I am still baffled as to why one of the top European clubs hasn’t signed him,’ Mashaba said at a press conference.

Last year, Real Madrid and Costa Rican number-one goalkeeper Keylor Navas also praised the Kaizer Chiefs captain. He wondered why Khune was still playing in the Premier Soccer League instead of striking a lucrative deal in one of the European top leagues.

‘He is world class and is among the top-10 goalkeepers in the world. With him marshalling the backline, you can be assured half your problems are solved,’ said Mashaba, addressing the question of his starting 11.

The technical team already had the starting lineup in mind, he said, but the decision on who will take to the field will be determined by performance in training.

Mashaba emphasised that it was not necessary to feel intimidated by Senegal’s big names as history shows little separates the two sides.

‘We might not have dominated them but they haven’t dominated us either. I think on our day, we have what it takes to beat the best sides in the world and Senegal included.’

Mashaba claimed that Mamelodi Sundowns’ triumph in Africa had spread positive vibes among the players.

‘We know what happened when Orlando Pirates won the CAF Champions League title in 1995 and the subsequent year Bafana Bafana lifted the Africa Cup of Nations. The spin-offs are always positive.’

He said it was imperative for other PSL clubs to follow in Sundowns’ footsteps and take African competitions seriously.

Of new striker Lars Veldwijk, Mashaba said while still adapting, he looked sharp at training. In the long run Veldwijk could be the ultimate savior, because he is confident, bullish and his imposing physical features could come in handy.