Bafana Bafana CHAN coach Molefi Ntseki has spoken about the team’s physical readiness ahead of their 2024 CHAN opener against Algeria at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Kampala on Friday, with kickoff set for 16:00.
Ntseki has selected several players who are currently unattached and have not played much football recently. Among his troops, he has the likes of Terrence Mashego, Keagan Dolly, Thabiso Kutumela, Zakhele Lepasa, Wayde Jooste and Neo Maema.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach, Ntseki, was unable to include regulars from their PSL clubs as the new 2025/26 season has already started.
This means the players in camp for CHAN have not had a full pre-season, with some having played very little football last season.
WHAT MOLEFI NTSEKI SAID ABOUT THE FITNESS OF HIS SQUAD
“The days and hours that we have put into our preparations build into all the aspects of preparation. We have selected a team of individuals who are of a high level tactically. Technically, we’re looking forward to doing well as a team,” Ntseki told journalists.
“But in tournament football, you’ll always be asked questions in terms of the physical preparedness of the team… The most important thing is how you manage the game. I spoke about the critical phases of the game.”
Ntseki added: “In our preparation, we considered all those elements that are important in a tournament of this magnitude. We’re looking at playing seven games. Our periodisation is very important. It’s how we manage the game and control certain moments and phases of the game to our advantage.”
Meanwhile, Bafana captain Neo Maema said the intention was “to win the tournament”. He said the fitness issue was not “much of a concern.” He believes the opening game against Algeria “will be a good test for the team.”
The CHAN tournament is being co-hosted by three East African nations —Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. It kicked off last weekend and will run until August 30, 2025.