Former Bafana Bafana star Sibusiso Zuma has explained why he believes SA stand a chance to defy the odds and go all the way to the final of the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
The African showpiece roared to life on Saturday with the host nation downing Guinnea-Bissau 2-0 at the Olympic Stadium of Epimbe.
Bafana find themselves in Group E alongside Mali, Namibia and Tunisia. They will open their AFCON campaign against Mali on Tuesday, 16 January, at 10 pm.
Zuma, who boasts more than 60 appearances for the national team, says he believes the Broos-led side stands a chance to accomplish the seemingly improbable against the big guns in Africa.
He states that some of the so-called big teams, like Nigeria, came to the tournament not doing well, and Bafana can exploit that. He also feels the experience of Mamelodi Sundowns players and Percy Tau in Africa will be of help.
SIBUSISO ZUMA SAYS HE HAS 100 % TRUST FOR BAFANA BAFANA
“There’s been a lot of talks from people here, the fans making jokes about Bafana Bafana,” he said in an interview with FARPost.
“I trust these boys 100%. We have a young team, and we need to use the experience that Sundowns has in Africa. We need to use the experience of players like Percy Tau, who’s been there.
“The experience of a guy like Ronwen Williams, we have a good team. Right now, teams like Nigeria are not playing so well. It’s open, and we have a chance.”
He went on to say Broos’ men must emulate Springboks and Banyana Banyana, who have made the country proud in recent years. Desiree Ellis’ side hoisted WAFCON in 2022, while Springboks won the Rugby World Cup last year.
‘I STRONGLY BELIEVE THEY CAN DO THIS’
“Our boys need to put everything on these, focus and discipline. Just to prove that they can compete in tournaments like these,” he added.
“And it’s not even about competing. They need to try and win it because of other teams, the Springboks, Cricket guys and Banyana Banyana.
“There’s pressure. All our teams have done an amazing job all these past years. Now, the pressure on Bafana Bafana and I strongly believe they can do this.
“They need to focus and throw everything on this tournament.”
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