South
Africa faces Mali on Wednesday, 15 January 2014 at the Cape Town Stadium.
Kickoff is at 17h00. Both Mali and Bafana Bafana won their opening matches -
2-1 and 3-1 respectively and are joint top of Group A with South Africa ahead
on a better goal difference.
“We
are well aware of what lies ahead of us. We have been studying their videos and
I am convinced we will get the better of them because we know what to expect.
They are physically strong but I am certain we will compete,” Vilakazi.
“If
they go unchecked they could be a serious threat. We know it is going to be a
tough one but we will go there very much prepared because we have had two good
training sessions since our match against Mozambique. From what we saw in their
clash against Nigeria, Mali is, without doubt, a good team but they can be
beaten.”
South
Africa’s victory over Mozambique has certainly boosted the mood in the camp
ahead of the important clash with Mali.
“It
was important for us to get a good start and we want to build on to that. It
was never a simple game. It’s never easy in a tournament like this as everyone
wants to win. We are motivated to win,” added Vilakazi.
Fellow
midfielder, Matthew Pattison is also upbeat after Bafana Bafana’s performance
on Saturday, 11 January 2014.
“First
of all it’s good to be back in the national team fold, it is great to see one’s
hard work rewarded. We have a new coach and new faces, so it’s nice to see a
bit of variety in the team,” said Pattison, who earned his third cap against
Mozambique.
“We
want to get to the knockout stages and the dressing room is upbeat but we know
we can do better. We are aware that the Mali players are a bit physical but I
enjoy that side of the game so I should be able to compete,” concluded
Pattison.
