Bafana Bafana hardman Benson Mhlongo pulled no punches when he spelt out how the underdogs will handle holders Brazil when they meet in a David versus Goliath Confederations Cup semifinal at Ellis Park on Thursday night.
The Orlando Pirates midfield anchorman has been solid and dependable during the tournament, helping his country reach their second major semifinal since Bafana lifted the African Nations Cup on home soil in 1996.
Mhlongo said Bafana are fired up for the biggest game of their careers: ”The self belief and confidence is back. We are prepared to go out and do whatever it takes.
”We will go out hard and fast like we did against Spain.”
Mhlongo summed up his teammates’ feelings about the Brazil match when he said: ”Nobody gives us a chance. That’s OK; we are not expected to beat Brazil, no problem. But the fact we are playing Brazil in a massive Fifa semifinal in the biggest game of all our careers, is also a massive positive factor.
”We as a team have never got this far and aim to make the most of this opportunity. We will go out guns blazing as we have nothing to lose and everything to win.”
It was great fighting talk before a match against a country that has won five World Cups and a team that are the reining South America champions and the Confederations Cup holders. But guts might not be enough against a side as good and experienced as Brazil.
Mhlongo added: ”Everyone says we will be in the third place play-off instead of the final on Sunday… don’t be so sure.
”We are comfortable and have moulded a great bond between the players and coaching staff. We respect the likes of Kaka, Robinho and company, but why should we be scared.
”On the contrary we will enjoy the moment. We have got to the Confederations Cup semifinal on merit with a win, a draw and a loss against the best side in world soccer Spain.
”We are going to make the most of what is the biggest game of our lives.”
Mhlongo, a fearless tiger on the field but soft spoken and humble off it, told the media not to write Bafana off.
”We regained our self confidence during this tournament and by playing so well against Spain despite losing 2-0 in Bloemfontein at the weekend, have lifted morale. Our performance showed we can compete and hold our own against the best. We found a lot of self-belief after that match.
”We believe we can take on and surprise Brazil. Brazil — like Spain — are a great side. Just being on the same pitch as them will lift me and the others.
”It is a dream come true for me and I want to enjoy every second.” Mhlongo is one of the senior players and has featured in all three group matches. He said they would analyse Brazil’s route to the semifinals this week and be thoroughly prepared.
”Although we have not talked tactics with the coach [Joel Santana] Bafana will not sit back. If we play like we did against Spain anything could happen. We believe we can make it happen.”
Mhlongo defended Bafana’s Brazilian born Santana’s system of employing three defensive midfielders in the group stage.
”We conceded only two goals [against Spain]. In the other two matches our keeper, Itumeleng Khune, had little work to do and that is because the defensive midfield wall did its job and it will do the job again against Brazil.”
Kaizer Chiefs left wing, Siphiwe Tshabalala, is hoping to get a break against Brazil after coming on as a late substitute in the group matches.
He said: ”I agree with Benson if we go out relaxed and play our normal game and keep our shape, anything will be possible.” — AFP
