Share

Pitso: Revival starts now

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane believes the team's road to salvation "starts now" as they prepare to take on the Ivory Coast in Saturday's Nelson Mandela Challenge.

The South African national team recently suffered the heartache of failing to qualify for next year's Africa Cup of Nations, leaving the players and the country mourning another missed tournament.

However, Mosimane believes the team need to keep moving forward, and that a match-up against Africa's highest ranked team can help revive the dwindling belief.

"It is a long road ahead, but we will rise again and make the nation proud. I am committed to making sure this happens and it starts now," he told the PSL's official website.

However, the coach is not getting too ahead of himself, and admits they face a stern test against the Elephants, who cruised into the 2012 AFCON finals after finishing the group stages with a 100% record.

"We respect Ivory Coast. They are the number one team in Africa and 19th in the world. We know what to expect," he added.

"But it is important not to over-respect them. When we play a team of this profile it is very difficult to win, but possible. We believe we can win."

It is no secret that Bafana's weakness lies in their inability to find the back of the net, but Mosimane is hoping the return of some high profile players, as well a few wildcards, could spur the team on to goals.

"The good news is that we are welcoming back some players from injury and we have four new players uncapped in the squad. We know we need to score more goals and that is where we will focus our attentions because it is in the striking department in our country where we are lacking.

"Therefore, I will change my strategy because we cannot win if we do not score," confirmed Mosimane.

"Our defence has always looked solid and I expect the same."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE