Former Bafana Bafana star identifies problem with current team

Published on by Devesh Jaganath

Following Bafana Bafana’s 1-1 COSAFA Cup draw against Mozambique at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday night, former national team striker Katlego Mashego described the result as disappointing before explaining what he feels is the major issue with Helman Mkhalele’s side.

South Africa took a first-half lead against the Mambas thanks to Cape Town Spurs’ defender Rushwin Dortley, but they were pegged back shortly after the hour-mark when Chamito Labarina Alfandega found an equaliser, which Bafana Bafana were unable to respond to in the closing stages of the match. 

Both games in Group A ended level, leaving all four sides on one point apiece and Mashego weighed in on what he felt the problem with the team and their performance on the night was. 

Katlego Mashego on ‘not-real’ Bafana Bafana COSAFA Cup opening-match result

When asked how he felt about Bafana Bafana’s performance in the opening round of the tournament ahead of their clash with Botswana on Saturday, the ex-Orlando Pirates forward provided the following firm response. 

“The problem with this ‘not-real’ Bafana Bafana team is that they always draw their matches. Wednesday’s result is a bit disappointing for the country, but what can we do? The positive is that it’s mostly young boys who have been selected for this team. 

“Getting a chance to play at this stage provides them with a chance to play on the international stage, which will help them learn a little bit,” Mashego said. 

“At this stage, when you play, you always push for a win. You have to play to win the tournament. Most of these boys are already playing in the PSL, so they know what a win means. I think they should go there and win the tournament,” he added. 

South Africa’s second match of the competition is set to take place at the Isaac Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, kicking off at 15:00. 

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Devesh Jaganath