Broos says the team is out to win all six of their qualifiers.

The South Africans are in Group K along with Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan. They open their account against Uganda at the Orlando Stadium on Friday evening.

A total of 20 players attended Bafana Bafana’s first training session at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Three players could not make the first day of camp. Tunisian-based Forward Elias Mokwana is expected to arrive on Monday night. Two other players who ply their trade outside of South Africa, Siphephelo Sithole and Siyabonga Ngezana are expected to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday.

“I’m expecting positive results in their next two back-to-back matches because the team has gone well in the past eight months. But I’ve learnt over the years as an international coach that you do well in all your home matches,” says Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana coach.

Although Broos admits that it won’t be easy against Uganda and South Sudan, he says Bafana want to finish top of Group K by winning all their matches.

“We will push to win six out of six matches. A positive start would be very ideal, but we will not underestimate our opponents because they have the willpower and physical strength.”
 

The main worrying factor for Broos and his technical team is that most of the players have not played competitively in recent weeks due to the delayed start to the local Premier Soccer League (PSL) season.

“The PSL only starts in mid-September which means that there are players who have not played competitively in months. Playing friendlies and official matches is different. It annoys me a little but hopefully, we will manage the situation.”

Fortunately, Bafana will rely mainly on players from Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC and Mamelodi Sundowns who have been playing competitively in the MTN8 competition.

“It’s an honour and privilege to finally get a chance to play for Bafana. It has been my dream from childhood,” says Fawaaz Basadien, Bafana Bafana Defender.

“It’s also a dream come true for me to play for Bafana. But it’s not only about determination. One needs determination to succeed at this level,” says Thalente Mbatha, Bafana Bafana Midfielder.

Due to the unavailability of the injured captain, Ronwen Williams and vice-captain Percy Tau, Broos has to name a stand-in captain for the upcoming Bafana Bafana matches.

--SABC--