Shakes Mashaba would like to get time to work with players during the off-season to prepare for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, but the Bafana Bafana coach knows chances of that happening are very slim.

The qualifiers are scheduled to start in June and Mashaba is hoping Safa and the PSL can negotiate for players to join the team.

"The league is going to close, but we will be told that players are tired. If we could get that time with these players then I guarantee you we would be great in the qualifiers," Mashaba said on Sunday after Bafana drew 1-1 with Nigeria at Mbombela Stadium.

"Even if I want 10 players, I have got no power to go there [to clubs] and ask for players. It's up to the association and the PSL to negotiate," he added.

Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Bongani Zungu scored in the second-half stoppage-time to salvage a draw for Bafana, who should have won the game comfortably against a lacklustre Nigeria side.

Bafana could not convert chances they created, but credit should go to Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi for making some good saves, including one from an admittedly tame Andile Jali penalty in the second half.

"We were supposed to walk this game. I think they were happy with a draw," Mashaba said.

"The one thing we still need to address is finishing. This should come from grassroots. [But] for us to score at that time shows there was that willingness to go and level up matters. The Nigerian goalkeeper stopped us from winning."

Mashaba added he was going to work on penalties with the players after Jali had his spot kick saved.

"It's difficult for me when we get a penalty and I say 'Number 10, take the penalty'.

"But we have a plan. We will have a competition in the team with five or six boys and we will work on penalties."