The
two nations last met in this competition in September last year in the first
leg in Gaborone, with Kaizer Chiefs defender Morgan Gould scoring for South
Africa as the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
For
the first time since the start of camp, Bafana Bafana had a full compliment of
players after all 23 players reported for camp. The players trained under
overcast conditions at People’s Park with Serero stating afterwards that
players were fully aware of the expectations from this match.
“It
will be a different and more disciplined Bafana Bafana side that will meet
Botswana on Saturday. At our last meeting, we had just lost our coach (Pitso
Mosimane) and did not play well that day. But this time it will be different.
We have a new coach in Gordon Igesund, a new style of play and we are stronger
all round and have a different mentality. We all know we have to win to give us
a chance to advance and we will be up for the challenge,” said Serero.
The
Ajax Amsterdam midfielder last played forBafana Bafana in Durban during the
Africa Cup of Nations tournament earlier in the year. The player said he was
happy with his current form.
“I
was troubled by injuries last season but I am a bit more settled now and it has
been easier for me since the start of this season. I am more mature than I have
been during the past two years at Ajax. I am looking forward to playing and
doing my bit for Bafana Bafana,” he said.
Both
South Africa and Botswana need maximum points to have any chance of progressing
to the next and final round of qualifiers, and with that in mind, Serero said
he expected their opponents to attack.
“It
will suit us if they come to play an open game. That means we can hit them on
the counter .I am confident we can do the business and win. We are much
stronger and things are looking good for us,” concluded the midfielder who has
played 12 times for Bafana Bafana.
Serero’s
confidence was shared by Tokelo Rantie who added that with Bafana Bafana
creating numerous chances in matches, the goals will come.
“There
is always pressure when you play for the national team but we have to be
focused. As for me I don’t think there is any pressure for me to score, even
though the nation expects the team to hit the back of the net, especially in
this match,” said the striker.
“I
believe I am up for the challenge of unlocking the Botswana defence. The
confidence is high in the camp and the players know we have to win to stand any
chance of going to Brazil in 2014.”
Botswana
announced a 23-man squad that arrived in Durban on Wednesday (4 September),
which includes seven players based in South Africa. They have included a number
of players who are based on South Africa.
“I
expect Joel Mogorosi of Bloemfontein Celtic and Mogakolodi Ngele of Platinum
Stars to play a key role for Botswana. Both players know our style of play and
will be helping their coach with information,” said Orlando Pirates winger
Daine Klate.
“Also,
their players will want to be in the shop window as this match will be watched
by every PSL coach. So I expect they will play above themselves, but we’re
ready. We just need to concentrate for 90 minutes and stick to our game plan.”
- SAFA
