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WRITING A NEW CHAPTER: Bafana Bafana skipper Steven Pienaar, left, and Morgan Gould at training in Rustenburg this week. Photo: GAllo Images

 We need everyone to come to the party and convert the chances 

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The Bafana Bafana coach can find redemption for the Africa Cup of Nations debacle in Nelspruit last year, in the World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

In Nelspruit last year, Mosimane and his technical team misread the rules and Bafana's goalless draw against Sierra Leone eliminated the South Africans from the Afcon rather than qualifying them as Mosimane and company had believed.

Victory against Ethiopia on Sunday and also another one against Botswana on the road six days later, will not only take some pressure off Mosimane, but will help shift the Mbombela mess-up further into the background.

Indeed, Mosimane believes the process has already started.

"We have dealt with the past (not qualifying for the Afcon finals) and have our focus back in the team," Mosimane said yesterday.

"From when I signed the papers to coach this team I knew what I was getting myself into. It's part of the package.

"To win the two games is crucial for us on the road to Brazil 2014."

So how will the coach avoid another failed attempt at qualifying for a major tournament?

"We have to win all our home games. There's no real formula, but in a group format, you have to finish as No 1 to qualify.

"We planned it well for the Nations Cup and had unexpected results against Egypt (beating them at home and drawing away), but it was Niger who went through," he said.

He has challenges ahead of Sunday's match, the injury to key defender Siyabonga Sangweni being the biggest obstacle after the Orlando Pirates man was ruled out of the two World Cup qualifiers.

Lack of goals and a winless streak that has stretched back nine months is another stumbling block for the Bafana coach.

"We need everyone to come to the party and convert the chances.

"The responsibility does not just fall on Bhele (Siyabonga Nomvethe) and Katlego Mphela. Steven Pienaar has also now just been doing it for his club (Everton) and his game has changed slightly and that is positive for us," said Mosimane.

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Thu May 23 14:58:08 SAST 2013 ::

Jun 1, 2012

MyPot

thanx 4 not takin mccathy coach, now Pienaar is the man
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Jun 1, 2012

Tgee

I hate Pitso stupid i wish them a big lose

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Jun 1, 2012

guiliano

Tgee
I hate Pitso stupid i wish them a big lose
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You are not patriotic


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Jun 1, 2012

coolseven

Tgee
I hate Pitso stupid i wish them a big lose
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This is not about Pitso man but about our national team so stop being so negative about the National Team...........only if you are South African.

Pitso wish you could send the message to the boys that this game is not about individuals like Mphela, Nomvete or Pienaar but about them all as a National Team
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Jun 1, 2012

Kasiologist

Of course its your chance Pitso, failure here would have written your obituary. Win in Rustenburg because Botswana will not be a walkover.

All the best to Bafana.
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Jun 1, 2012

Mnikazi

@Tgee
**** jy maak my hartseer**** As much as we don't like the man, its about us now.
And the inyanga has been paid. . . . .so winning streaks are back now.
Shapa Killer Shapa !!!!
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Jun 1, 2012

T'dpole

We planned it well for the Nations Cup and had unexpected results against Egypt (beating them at home and drawing away), but it was Niger who went through," he said.

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what kind of a coach utter these words? the man had planned for a loose against Egypt and was surprised when the team won? this is stupid stlaela and usleless of a coach!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

y put all you hopes on one player all the time? Mphela this Mphela that? what about the entire team? he is even ashamed to say the name Siyabonga Nomvethe because of his stupid decisions!!!!!!!!!

we are fucked with Pitso....................and as for being Patriotic, yes we are to the team but not to him...........in other countries when you fail in the National team as a coach you step down but in SA, you pay your employers part of your salary......i think this is what Pitso is doing, he is paying Chief Nonkonyane and Safa President part of his salary...........scorpions where are you?
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Jun 1, 2012

Mr_President

Pitso is DOM finish and klaar. I wish Bafana to win this one though for the sake of the country.

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Jun 1, 2012

Lacosta

u beta win otherwise, Pitso wa vaya
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Jun 1, 2012

mikeeeeeey

now that there sangoma has bean paid if pitso losses he is out
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