International FootballLatest Soccer News

Bafana Redemption: Mothobi Mvala states what they must get right

SA defender Mothobi Mvala says Bafana Bafana have refused to bow down to pressure and has stated what they must get right to beat Namibia.

Bafana Bafana are set for a crunch tie against The Brave Warriors on Sunday in the City of Korhogo – Ivory Coast.

Even after losing the opening match at the hands of Mali, Hugo Broos’ troops are favorites to win this one.

Undoubtedly, this clash between the Southerners won’t be easy looking at how Namibia are fired up.

The Brave Warriors are walking with springs on their step after beating Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles.Orlando Pirates winger Deon Hotto scored the solitary goal as they recorded their first ever AFCON victory in history.

They had failed to win in three previous appearances at Africa’s biennial soccer showpiece.

But on paper, South Africa have a formidable squad compared to Namibia who are rather banking on Hotto and Peter Shalulile for inspiration.

The last meeting between Bafana and Namibia ended in a 0-0 stalemate, back in September 2023.

MOTHOBI MVALA STATES WHERE THEY MUST IMPROVE TO REDEEM THEMSELVES

Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau in action against Mali at the 2023 AFCON
Bafana Bafana star Percy Tau in action against Mali at the 2023 AFCON

However, Mamelodi Sundowns’ defender Mothobi Mvala opines that they can easily win the crunch tie if they utilise their chances.

At the same time, Mvala reckons they must improve on how they defend set-pieces and dead ball situations.

“We love pressure. All these players come from big teams and different clubs. We always play under pressure to win games, so there is no difference going into this game and we are not stressing ourselves.

“We are just going to keep playing well and convert the chances that we create. And then defend well on set pieces. All the chances that we create must be converted and get goals to win the game,” Mvala said.

In the first match, the 1996 Champions – Bafana were left to rue a number of chances in both halves.

And Percy Tau’s first half penalty miss stood out as the main disappointment for the football-loving nation.

As such, Mvala has emphasised the fact that they must be ruthless in front of goal so as to redeem themselves.

RELATED STORY:Namibia stars Shalulile and Hanamub talk Bafana test

Back to top button