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Johannesburg - Pitso Mosimane has revealed he wants Bafana Bafana to play a friendly against a top opponent before they tackle Niger in September.
GALLERY: Bafana's newkit
South Africa can qualify for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next year if they come home from Niger with maximum points.
Mosimane is therefore not taking any chances ahead of the clash on September 3 and admits he will travel to Niamey himself to inspect the training and playing conditions.
"I am going to inspect those facilities and the pitch myself," he told Business Day. "That away game is absolutely crucial.
"That is one match that I cannot afford to take for granted. No way.
"We have to be serious about this one because this could be a qualifying decider."
The Bafana coach also revealed he wants his side to be tested thoroughly ahead of the trip and is hoping to organise a warm-up match against a team that will give the boys a stern examination.
"I have given my proposal to SAFA and we will see," he said concerning an August 10 date which will also be used to showcase the new national team strip.
"I really hope to play against a big, strong team that is ranked above Bafana on the world FIFA rankings. If we cannot get a team like that, then I will look around the continent."
GALLERY: Bafana's newkit
South Africa can qualify for the African Nations Cup finals in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next year if they come home from Niger with maximum points.
Mosimane is therefore not taking any chances ahead of the clash on September 3 and admits he will travel to Niamey himself to inspect the training and playing conditions.
"I am going to inspect those facilities and the pitch myself," he told Business Day. "That away game is absolutely crucial.
"That is one match that I cannot afford to take for granted. No way.
"We have to be serious about this one because this could be a qualifying decider."
The Bafana coach also revealed he wants his side to be tested thoroughly ahead of the trip and is hoping to organise a warm-up match against a team that will give the boys a stern examination.
"I have given my proposal to SAFA and we will see," he said concerning an August 10 date which will also be used to showcase the new national team strip.
"I really hope to play against a big, strong team that is ranked above Bafana on the world FIFA rankings. If we cannot get a team like that, then I will look around the continent."
