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Mbombela - Mpumalanga Black Aces head coach Clive Barker has backed goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane’s inclusion in the Bafana Bafana starting line-up for Friday night’s Group C clash against Senegal.
Read: Bafana on the verge of AFCON exit
Bafana Bafana will be looking to bounce back in the 30th edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they face Senegal at the Estadio de Mongomo in Equatorial Guinea.
Coach Shakes Mashaba made two changes in his team from the previous game against Algeria, with Eric Mathoho and Mabokgwane replacing the injured Rivaldo Coetzee and Darren Keet.
Barker told Sport24 in an exclusive interview on Friday that he is excited to see the Polokwane-born shot-stopper getting his well-deserved recognition.
The 1996 AFCON winning mentor also hinted that he believes that the 27-year-old goal-minder is arguably the best in the country at the moment.
“It is a good opportunity for him and he needs to grab it with both hands,” said Barker.
“He is a very good and talented goalkeeper who is always passionate and hungry to achieve in his career.
“He has been working very hard for this moment and now he has it and it makes me happy to see that he got his recognition.
“He is very fast in his movement and I believe he will do well for the country tonight.
“To me he is currently the best goalkeeper in the South Africa.
“He just reminds me of Brian Baloyi in his days and I wish him and the boys all the best of luck.
Heading into Friday’s encounter, Bafana are coming off a 3-1 defeat to Algeria on Monday while the Lions of Taranga are coming off a 2-1 triumph over Ghana.
Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 (SA time) on Friday.
Follow the match LIVE with Sport24's interactive match commentary.
