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Mashaba confident of Zim win

Johannesburg - South African Under-23 coach Shakes Mashaba is confident that his team can pull off a win in the crucial return leg of their All Africa Games qualifier against Zimbabwe in Harare on Sunday.

Baby Bafana won the first leg 2-0 in Daveyton two weeks ago and will secure a spot in the African tournament in Mozambique in September if they win the second encounter against the Zimbabweans.

Mashaba said he was pleased with his side's build-up to the match.

"The technical team is satisfied with the preparations up to this point, we have done everything we could," said Mashaba.

"We have come here with a lot of purpose and positivity even though we are well aware it will not be an easy match.

"Playing away from home is never a walk in the park, but because of our lead from the first leg we have one foot in the AAG tournament so we just need to be cautious but play to win."

He said the player's mental strength and character would be tested but the players were prepared for the challenge ahead.

Mashaba said he was also impressed by the high team spirit and believed it was reason enough to be confident.

"The team is looking very good, the players are buzzing with excitement," he said.

"A happy player always does his best on the field, but must at the same time guard against being overconfident.

"I am encouraged that the boys seem eager to get this match underway.

"They really understand the importance of this encounter, so we will do everything in our power to return home victorious."

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