Bafana Bafana
Mphela: The goals will come
2012-05-30 09:53
Johannesburg -
Katlego Mphela hopes the rise to form of Siyabonga Nomvethe and
Eleazar Rodgers will help Bafana Bafana regain their goal-scoring touch.
The South African national team have been dismal in front of goal
lately, with Pitso Mosimane's men firing home just three times in their
last six international fixtures.
However, 2011/12 PSL Golden Boot-winner Nomvethe and runner-up
Rodgers, who between themselves scored 33 Premiership goals this season,
have both been training with Bafana over the past two weeks as the team
prepare for their upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
And Mphela, who plundered 10 league goals for Mamelodi Sundowns
this term, feels the inclusion of the strike duo in the national side
will go a long way in helping the country earn their place in Brazil.
"We all know goal scoring has been a problem but I believe with
time we will get it right. There is a healthy competition for strikers
which is good. Siyabonga Nomvethe and Eleazar Rodgers did very well
during the PSL season that just ended and it's good to have them here,
we are all hoping they will continue scoring goals even for the nation,"
said Mphela.
Speaking of Nomvethe, who also scooped the PSL's Footballer of
the Year, Player of the Season and Players' Player of the Season awards,
Mphela added: "He has been scoring goals, and at the moment is on a
high.
"I think he is one of the most confident players in the team, he
has the experience as he has been there before so I believe he will
bring a different dimension to the team."
Bafana kick off their qualifying campaign against Ethiopia on
Sunday, and while the South Africans are expected to come away with a
win, Mphela says they will be taking nothing for granted against the
footballing minnows.
He said: "As for Ethiopia we are in for a busy afternoon. They
have very fit players who run the entire match and will give our defence
a hard time, but we are ready for them."