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Shakes surprised by form

Cape Town - Shakes Mashaba admits he is surprised with how quickly Bafana Bafana have taken to his tactics following their stellar start to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The tactician was handed the South Africa reins in August following the expiration of Gordon Igesund's tenure, which proved a largely uninspired two-year spell in which the team struggled for results.

Under Mashaba, though, the Boys appear to be thriving, with Saturday's 2-0 win in Congo leaving them top of AFCON qualifying Group A and on the verge of qualifying for next year's Morocco showpiece.

"Some people are lucky in that everything they touch turns into gold. We are a little bit surprised that this has turned into something else because we did not expect to get it right so quickly," Mashaba told The Sowetan ahead of Wednesday's return fixture against the Red Devils at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

"Now we are the team to beat in this group".

"We are still guided by the SAFA vision, and the first thing you do with such a project is that you tell everyone about their strong points and make them aware of their role and that they will determine their fate."

Mashaba did, however, go on to warn of complacency, adding: "People are also saying we should qualify early and try other players. No ways. Everyone must earn their place in the team."
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