The hour has finally come for Bafana Bafana to step up a gear in their final round of World and African Nations Cup qualifiers. South Africa meet Cape Verde, who lie second behind them, in Praia, Cape Verde, on Saturday.
The preparations for this match did not go according to plan, as the players arrived for training in dribs and drabs.
The new caps in the national team, in the absence of the regular members of the squad, have proven their mettle during the season.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Arthur Zwane returned to the team after performing consistently in the Premiership. Supersport United defenders Siboniso Gaxa and Ricardo Katza got their first national caps after proving that their defensive capabilities are unmatched in the domestic Premier Soccer League.
Sundowns striker Lerato Chabangu will be eager to partner Benni McCarthy as they attempt to score goals against the islanders.
A loss in Saturday’s match will leave Bafana Bafana dependent on other teams’ results. The islanders are unbeaten at home in these qualifiers.
After Cape Verde, there are two weeks before Bafana’s next qualifier against Ghana.
Coach Stuart Baxter should hope that by that time, the players will be willing and ready to play for the national team and arrive on time.
He will also expect that the association should have solved all the administrative bungles that delayed this week’s training camp.