Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana defender, Willem Jackson, has described the national team’s opening 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Gambia as a ‘must win’.
A member of the 1998 squad at the France World Cup told Sport24 that Shakes Mashaba’s troops should beat Gambia to restore pride following a disappointing campaign at the recently ended COSAFA Cup.
“It’s vital for the team to win the match against Gambia because the country is still disappointed with the performance of the team in the regional competition,” Jackson said.
Jackson also said that wining the opening match of the qualifiers is always crucial as it helps to settle the nerves.
The Bloemfontein-born man, who also starred for Orlando Pirates in his playing days, said he feels Mashaba has a very good squad that should not have any problems beating Gambia at home.
“Look, we will be playing at home and winning will boost the confidence of the players going forward.”
“Overall, I believe we have a strong squad that should get the better of Gambia on Saturday,” he said.
Bafana Bafana face Gambia on Saturday in Durban.
The match kicks off at 15:00.
