Cape Town - Coach Shakes Mashaba confirms that winning is a priority as Bafana Bafana prepare to leave for Congo.
Read: Nhlapo answers Bafana SOS
According to KickOff, the 64-year-old reveals that he hopes history does not repeat itself when South Africa travelled to Congo in a 1998 World Cup qualifier which Bafana lost 2-0 following controversial incidents on the day at the Municipal Stadium.
“There is a possibility of that problem happening again,” said Mashaba.
“So we have to expect anything that comes our way but what we need to say is that we are going there to play football.”
Mashaba however is obstinate that three points are on offer and bringing that into the return leg in Polokwane is the only option.
“They are a very good team and have these combinations. They are quick when going forward.”
“We are going there for a win. I don’t know how many of us have sat and looked at how crucial this game is. Win these two matches our chances of qualifying for 2015 are bright. So for us to go there and sit back then we might be inviting problems for ourselves.”
Bafana will depart on Thursday afternoon for Point-Noire, the Republic of Congo's second largest city after its capital Brazzaville. The match will be played at the Stade Municipal.
They return to South Africa on Sunday, ahead of next week's return fixture against the Red Devils in Polokwane.
Bafana Bafana fixtures:
Saturday, October 11, Congo v SA (Pointe Noire) - 16:30
Wednesday, October 15, SA v Congo (Peter Mokaba Stadium) - 20:05