×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Bafana mettle tested

SORELY MISSED: Bafana Bafana play their first match without Senzo Meyiwa against Sudan on SaturdayPhoto: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images
SORELY MISSED: Bafana Bafana play their first match without Senzo Meyiwa against Sudan on SaturdayPhoto: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images

AFTER watching Orlando Pirates fall to SuperSport United at the weekend, former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett is hoping the national team players will have their heads in the right place for this weekend's clash against Sudan.

An uninspired Pirates side were without Senzo Meyiwa for the first time since his passing and fell short of advancing to their sixth straight cup final on Saturday. Bafana are in a similar situation, having to play without Meyiwa for the first time in a vital game.

Bafana host Sudan in their penultimate 2015 Africa Cup of Nations Group A qualifier at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (3pm), needing to win to qualify.

Bartlett was part of the Bafana team that secured a place at the 2004 Afcon finals with a game to spare and he believes the current group of players are capable of repeating that, if they do not get swept up in the emotion of the occasion.

"It's important for the players to know that their destiny is in their hands.

"They should not be concerned with what happens in the other group game. They should just win," Bartlett said.

"The last thing they want is to go to Nigeria [next Wednesday] in their last group game needing to win.

"They have to win first and then dedicate the win to Meyiwa. We saw what happened with the Pirates game. It's easy to lose focus and forget about playing the game. We have to get a win at home."

A big week for Bafana players began yesterday with an emotional trip to the Heroes Acre in Chesterville, where they got to pay their respects to Meyiwa after landing in Durban.

It was followed by a visit to Meyiwa's house in Umlazi before they returned to the team hotel.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.