Johannesburg - "It is crucial we win the game at all costs," confirms South Africa's national coach Pitso Mosimane ahead of his first real test when Bafana Bafana take on Niger in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday night, according to a report on KickOff.

The match will take place the majestic Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, with kick-off scheduled for 20:30.

Following Bafana's inability to qualify for the 2010 AFCON event and the fact that they were ousted in the group stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup earlier this year, Mosimane knows it is of vital importance that he gets off to a good start after taking over the reins from former coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

The outcome of the game against Niger could well shape his tenure in charge of Bafana and he is fully aware of that: "We have to make sure we get the three points. We can't afford not to qualify for the African Cup of Nations again. It is unacceptable."

Mosimane's first official game in charge went off quite well and saw his side beat World Cup quarter-finalists Ghana 1-0 last month. Still, the coach feels his side can improve on that performance and they will have to as they are not completely aware of what they are up against in the form of Niger.

"We are looking to continue where we left off, but we can't be complacent. We need to prepare properly and professionally in a disciplined environment for the game against Niger, and that is exactly what we are doing," added Mosimane.

Mosimane, focusing on the game against the West African minnows, feels his side can still improve and hopes Niger don't play negatively.

"We have to sharpen our sword. Against Ghana, a lot of the final passes went astray. We need to take our chances in front of goal. I just hope Niger don't play negatively and try defend the whole match."

Looking ahead to the rest of South Africa's 2012 ACN qualifying matches in Group G, Mosimane feels the World Cup experience will help Bafana in a tough qualifying group that includes African champions Egypt and Sierra Leone.

"We have learnt a lot from the World Cup and we will use it to our advantage. We have the players to qualify for 2012," concluded the Bafana coach.