Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola is banking on the experience he has gained in the CAF Confederation Cup to make a mark in the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
Makola has been called up for Saturday's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania in Nouakchott and he is hoping to inspire Shakes Mashaba's side to victory after the goalless draw with Gambia on home soil in Group M in June.
"I've settled in quite well. I'm used to most of the guys in the team because I've played with some of them," he said after the morning training session at Sturrock Park, in Johannesburg, yesterday.
"Obviously, my experience with Pirates will play a vital role for me. I think I am used to the conditions on the continent. I hope it comes in handy for me. Competition in the team is stiff but I am up for the challenge.
"Honestly, I know nothing about Mauritania. But I know they are a better side than in the previous years. They used to be beaten 7-0 and so on, but they only lost 1-0 to Cameroon [in June], which shows they have improved," said Makola, who has been in good goalscoring form recently. Bafana have previously been guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net, with too many touches in the box that often do not lead to a goal.
Players are reluctant to take responsibility and shoot from range, but Makola does not need a second invitation to have a go at goal when the chance to do so is presented.
"If you do not take shots then you are not going to get goals. Our game needs to improve in terms of scoring goals. I am happy with the way PSL teams are scoring a lot of goals right now and we have to keep improving," the 29-year-old said.
l See Page 26
Makola up for challenge
Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola is banking on the experience he has gained in the CAF Confederation Cup to make a mark in the senior national team, Bafana Bafana.
Makola has been called up for Saturday's 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Mauritania in Nouakchott and he is hoping to inspire Shakes Mashaba's side to victory after the goalless draw with Gambia on home soil in Group M in June.
"I've settled in quite well. I'm used to most of the guys in the team because I've played with some of them," he said after the morning training session at Sturrock Park, in Johannesburg, yesterday.
"Obviously, my experience with Pirates will play a vital role for me. I think I am used to the conditions on the continent. I hope it comes in handy for me. Competition in the team is stiff but I am up for the challenge.
"Honestly, I know nothing about Mauritania. But I know they are a better side than in the previous years. They used to be beaten 7-0 and so on, but they only lost 1-0 to Cameroon [in June], which shows they have improved," said Makola, who has been in good goalscoring form recently. Bafana have previously been guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net, with too many touches in the box that often do not lead to a goal.
Players are reluctant to take responsibility and shoot from range, but Makola does not need a second invitation to have a go at goal when the chance to do so is presented.
"If you do not take shots then you are not going to get goals. Our game needs to improve in terms of scoring goals. I am happy with the way PSL teams are scoring a lot of goals right now and we have to keep improving," the 29-year-old said.
l See Page 26
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