Durban - Bafana Bafana have every chance of securing their place at next year's Africa Cup of Nations when they host Sudan in Durban next week, former captain Aaron Mokoena said on Tuesday.
South Africa will reach the continental showpiece for the first time since 2008 if they win the clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium and closest Group A challengers Congo fail to beat Nigeria.
The match will also be the first since the national captain Senzo Meyiwa was shot dead in Vosloorus, outside Johannesburg, last Sunday.
"Of course we can do it," Mokoena said in Durban, where he was speaking on the sidelines of the Soccerex African Forum on Tuesday.
"It might be a bit difficult with the loss of Senzo. But we can do it."
Mokoena, the only South African to have won over 100 caps for his country, said there were two reasons they had to win the game.
"It's very important that South Africa qualify. Not just for the country, but for Senzo as well. We lost a great soldier. In my opinion, we lost a great future captain as well.
"Yes life goes on, but it's important that this game is a game for Senzo and people should come and support Bafana Bafana so, one we can qualify, and two, do it for Senzo."
Bafana Bafana squad:
Darren Keet (KV Kortrijk), Siyabonga Mpontshane (Platinum Stars), Brilliant Khuzwayo (Kaizer Chiefs)
Defenders:
Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk), Sibusiso Khumalo (SuperSport United), Eric Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax CT), Tefu Mashamaite (Kaizer Chiefs) Kwanda Mngonyama (Maritzburg United), Siyabonga Nhlapo (Wits), Luvolwethu Mpeta (Platinum Stars), Ntsikelelo Nyauza (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders:
Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sibusiso Vilakazi (Wits), Oupa Manyisa (Orlando Pirates), Andile Jali (KV Oostende), Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers), Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs), Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Fagrie Lakay (Santos), May Mahlangu (IFK Göteborg)
Forwards:
Tokelo Rantie (AFC Bournemouth), Bongani Ndulula (AmaZulu), Kermit Erasmus (Orlando Pirates), Lehlohonolo Majoro (Orlando Pirates)