By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Bafana Bafana has assembled for camp on Monday to challenge Sierra Leone and Botswana in international friendlies lined up for the 24 September and the 27 September in Johannesburg at FNB Stadium.
The 23-man squad named last week by South African senior national team coach Hugo Broos was missing only one player, Khanyiso Mayo, who travelled with his team Cape Town City out of the country to compete in a CAF Champions League game, and will join the camp on Tuesday.
Bafana vice-captain Siyanda Xulu, who replaces the injured Thibang Phete, addressed the media at a press conference held at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto on Monday.
“The past is behind us and we fight now for a place in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). This is all that matters and we test our might against Sierra Leone and Botswana.”
While Broos lamented the vice-captain’s mental game, his strength and not having many games under his belt since joining his new club in Azerbaijan, he is still an asset to the team.
Luke Le Roux, who received his first call-up to represent his country, beamed with excitement on Monday. “This is all I have dreamed of and lived for. This is my dream coming true and I’ll give it my all on game day if I’m given the chance.”
Broos’ game plan does not change. His sights are still firmly set on qualifying for Afcon. He believes the squad is strong enough to regain the much-needed confidence and these friendlies are as important as any other games.
Meanwhile Bafana Bafana’s coaching stocks have been reduced as assistant coach Cedomir Janesvki has left the men’s national team to pursue greener pastures.
Janevski, who represented Yugoslavia and what became the independent state of what was then known as Macedonia, joined the national team along with Broos.