Bafana Bafana complete preparations in Yaounde, head for Addis Ababa

Bafana Bafana have completed their first leg of preparations in Yaoundé, Cameroon ahead of the match against Ethiopia.

They had their last training session in Yaoundé on Wednesday and will reserve Thursday to travel to Douala where they will catch a connecting flight to the Ethiopian capital on Friday. They will then have their last training session at the match venue, the National Stadium on Saturday, 15 June 2013.

The two nations then lock horns in an all-important 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Sunday, 16 June in what has been billed a winner takes all encounter.

Bafana Bafana have not conceded a goal in their last three games against the Central African Republic (CAR) in Cape Town and Yaoundé and against neighbours Lesotho in an international friendly.

“As defenders, it was good that we finished the last three games without conceding a goal. This has given us more confidence to tackle the next match against Ethiopia with great confidence. Now we want to continue with that form because we are aware that if we don’t concede we won’t lose the game. I think we have that quality to deliver again and help the team to victory,” said Thabo Nthethe.

Head coach Gordon Igesund is also pleased with the work put in and the results of the past few months.

“We cannot ask for more than that from the defenders. We scored seven goals in three games and did not concede, that is remarkable. I am proud of the team for the work they have been doing. What works for us is that we defend as a team and attack as a unit and results are there for all to see,” said Igesund.

Bafana Bafana have also spent time watching the videos of last weekend’s match between Ethiopia and Botswana where the East Africans won 2-1.

“We watched the tapes quite a few times. They are a formidable side and can pass the ball nicely, but for me the challenges will be the altitude and the condition of the pitch. I know we are up for the challenge and the boys have the mental strength to deal with any situation because they are fully focussed on the task ahead,” said Igesund.

“We can’t wait for the game because we have worked so hard. We find ourselves in a situation where we started badly but we are back on track now. We should beat Ethiopia and take that confidence to the match against Botswana where we still cannot afford to take things for granted. We really want to go to the World Cup.”

The strikers have also hit good form at the right time.

“Scoring five goals (over two legs) against CAR and not conceding has increased the level of confidence in the team. I believe given the calibre of players we have, there is a good chance that we will be able to score more goals (against Ethiopia and Botswana),” said Katlego Mashego who netted the third goal in Yaoundé.

“We have to win because this match is vital not only for us but for all the South Africans, we know what this game means to them. They have been behind us, encouraging us to bring back positive results, so we must just continue doing what we have been doing and I do not see any reason why we cannot get maximum points. We are not going there for a draw because we are aware, with that result; it will be over for us. We know it is going to be a difficult game but we are ready for the challenge.

Defender Ricardo Nunes was rested at training on Wednesday as a precautionary measure after he complained of tight thigh muscles. He is expected back at training with the rest of his teammates on Saturday.

- SAFA