Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo says that the country needs to be positive and must get behind the national team ahead of their clash against Libya.
Stuart Baxter’s men will be aiming for Afcon qualification after missing out on the last edition of Africa’s premium competition and the recently concluded World Cup.
READ: Preview: Injuries aside, Bafana target three points against Libya
Bafana got their qualification campaign underway with a historic 2-0 victory over Nigeria in Uyo last year. They will now have a chance to take control of the group when they face table-toppers Libya on Saturday afternoon at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
After much disappointment in recent years, South Africans tend to have a negative outlook and perspective on the men’s national team.
For Khumalo, however, this attitude needs to change.
‘This is not about Stuart, this is the national team. There is a national duty.
‘The supporters, even myself as an individual, I am obliged to be positive and give positive support to the nation in order for us to get the results. If we don’t, then there will be negativity and all that will be thrown out of the window,’ added Khumalo.
With Bafana sitting in such a strong position after that big away win against Nigeria, and with two games against Libya and Seychelles still to come, the prospects of qualifying look good.
READ: Baxter bemoans last-minute Bafana injuries
Baxter, however, was hit with a small injury crisis at the start of the camp after Bongani Zungu, Hlompho Kekana, Themba Zwane and Lebo Mothiba all pulling out because of injury.
Despite the setbacks, Khumalo remains confident of a win.
‘The hiccups might have jeopardised the tactical approach or idea that he [Baxter] and his team might have had.
‘We can refer to history but at the same time, we can mend it. We just hope and wish that this time around he can get it right.
‘Having said that, he would have loved to have everybody at his disposal. Having worked with Stuart, he’s very knowledgeable and a strong character, and he will mend his tactical approach to salvage a win.
‘Players understand that being called up is a blessing. You are a soldier, you must go out there and die for the nation. It’s not about Stuart, or his technical team, or Safa… we are all in this together as a nation. If it is criticism, let it be positive criticism. If it’s something not worthwhile to talk about, let’s rally behind the team instead,’ the Chiefs legend concluded.
South African face Libya in their Group E Afcon qualifier at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off at 3pm.
