Bafana Bafana’s opening Confederations Cup Group A clash against Iraq at Coca-Cola Park on June 14 will be like a cup final, said Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana star Siphiwe Tshabalala on Monday after national coach Joel Santana put the local-based squad members through a gym session at the Johannesburg Stadium.
Said Tshabalala: ”We have to beat Iraq in order to lay the platform for reaching the semifinals of the Confederations Cup. We cannot even contemplate losing that opening game. We have three group games and beating Iraq would see us go into the next clash [in Rustenburg on June 17] against New Zealand with our confidence boosted and needing three more points from two remaining games to qualify for the semifinals.”
Spain, the top-ranked country in the world, are the other team in Group A. Bafana play the Spanish giants at the Free State Stadium on June 20 to complete their group fixtures. In Group B are world champions Italy, Brazil, the defending champions, Egypt and the United States. The top two teams in each group qualify for the semifinals.
Tshabalala said he was confident Bafana would rise to the occasion. He also said local fans would play a key role. ”Playing such a big tournament at home is a major boost for us. Our fans are passionate and they will be like a 12th man for us.”
But Tshabalala warned that, despite the fact that little was known about Iraq or their style of play, it would be fatal to underestimate them. Said the Chiefs player of the season: ”No country can become a continental champion without being a top-class outfit.”
Santana is trying to get footage of Iraq’s and New Zealand’s recent internationals.
Said Tshabalala: ”It does help having an idea about a side by watching them. However, it is not that vital as game plans and styles change. It is more important for Bafana to worry about our own game and make sure we perform at our peak.”
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela admitted he was surprised when he was called up to the 30-man provisional squad ahead of the Absa Premiership’s leading goal scorer, Richard Henyekane of Golden Arrows.
Mphela admitted neither he nor Sundowns had a good season. Downs failed to reach the top eight and Mphela scored just four goals all season, while Henyekane netted 18.
”I was surprised by my selection, but I accept the criticism, which will make me work harder as I aim to make the most of this chance and try to make the cut.”
Santana will reduce his squad to 23 players at the start of June in terms of Fifa rules. — Sapa