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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana can’t buy a goal at the moment, and it is hurting them.
The two goalless draws that led to penalty shootout defeats in last month’s low key COSAFA Cup were one thing, but the 0-0 draw on Saturday against Gambia has already raised questions over Bafana’s AFCON 2017 credentials just one game into qualifying.
That there is a shortage of quality strikers in the country is common knowledge. Since Benni McCarthy and Shaun Bartlett, only Katlego Mphela can hold his head high when it comes to Bafana strikers at international level, having scored 23 goals in 53 appearances.
But since then the likes of Bernard Parker, Lehlohonolo Majoro and, more recently, Bongani Ndulula have all failed to stamp their authority on the striking position. Thamsanqa Gabuza was Bafana’s option on Saturday, but that decision also didn’t work out.
Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba pointed out on Monday that goals should come from everywhere, and one name jumps out as a possible source when glancing across the current squad.
Thulani Serero has resurrected his international career under Mashaba, and any Bafana side appears more pedigreed when the Ajax Amsterdam midfielder’s name is on the team sheet.
Serero was in a relaxed mood on Monday, appearing unflustered ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly against Angola at Cape Town Stadium.
"We were just unlucky (against Gambia). We created the chances and just couldn’t finish them off, which we’ll hopefully do in the next game."
Serero said that he did not feel any extra pressure to break Bafana’s scoring drought, being one of the players in the setup who plays at the highest level in Europe.
"I think that when we come to the national team we are all equal and we must all work hard to get into the team,” said Serero.
"Everybody must do it. I don’t feel any pressure because everybody who comes to the national team is as good as I am. Anybody can do the job."
And Bafana’s poor form in front of goal was not for lack of trying, added Serero.
"If you watch the training we always work on it," he said.
"It will happen as time goes on because we cannot miss so many chances in a game. It’ll get better."
Kick-off on Tuesday is at 15:00.
