Burkina Faso striker Aristide Bance may have left the PSL with a poor record of three goals in 14 appearances for Chippa United‚ but that's no reason to write him off as a threat.
A man who trained and played with Bance every week at Chippa last season‚ right-back Diamond Thopola‚ knows how difficult it is to try to tame the big striker.
Thopola has warned his Bafana Bafana teammates to keep a close eye on the 32-year-old‚ especially when crosses are whipped into the box.
Bafana face the Stallions in a 2018 Fifa World Cup Group D qualifier at Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou on Saturday (8pm SA time).
“Bance is a big player with his physique. He is very good with aerial balls‚ so that's something we need to be aware of when we come up against him. We need to focus and do well‚” said Thopola.
Bance‚ who now plays in Latvia‚ fell out of favour with coach Dan Malesela and had salary disputes with Chippa before leaving.
He will definitely want to prove a point against Bafana. The striker has been a key figure for his country and has to be closely watched by South Africa’s centrebacks‚ Thulani Hlatshwayo and Mulomowandau Mathoho.
Thopola‚ meanwhile‚ has been called up to his third Bafana camp by coach Shakes Mashaba and is waiting patiently to get his chance to play regularly.
“It always feels good to be part of the national set-up. It's my third time being with the team and I am looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers. It's do-or-die for us and we are here hoping to get a good result. We are ready for this one‚” Thopola said.
“It's a great experience for me. I feel like I am growing as a player.
“I am in a good space where I am enjoying my football at club level‚ so it shows that I have been doing well and that’s why the coach has called me up.
“I will keep working hard and wait for my chance. [And] when it comes‚ I will grab it with both hands.”
TMG Digital/TMG Sport/Sowetan
Bance poses a threat to Bafana in World Cup qualifier
Burkina Faso striker Aristide Bance may have left the PSL with a poor record of three goals in 14 appearances for Chippa United‚ but that's no reason to write him off as a threat.
A man who trained and played with Bance every week at Chippa last season‚ right-back Diamond Thopola‚ knows how difficult it is to try to tame the big striker.
Thopola has warned his Bafana Bafana teammates to keep a close eye on the 32-year-old‚ especially when crosses are whipped into the box.
Bafana face the Stallions in a 2018 Fifa World Cup Group D qualifier at Stade Du 4 Aout in Ouagadougou on Saturday (8pm SA time).
“Bance is a big player with his physique. He is very good with aerial balls‚ so that's something we need to be aware of when we come up against him. We need to focus and do well‚” said Thopola.
Bance‚ who now plays in Latvia‚ fell out of favour with coach Dan Malesela and had salary disputes with Chippa before leaving.
He will definitely want to prove a point against Bafana. The striker has been a key figure for his country and has to be closely watched by South Africa’s centrebacks‚ Thulani Hlatshwayo and Mulomowandau Mathoho.
Thopola‚ meanwhile‚ has been called up to his third Bafana camp by coach Shakes Mashaba and is waiting patiently to get his chance to play regularly.
“It always feels good to be part of the national set-up. It's my third time being with the team and I am looking forward to the World Cup qualifiers. It's do-or-die for us and we are here hoping to get a good result. We are ready for this one‚” Thopola said.
“It's a great experience for me. I feel like I am growing as a player.
“I am in a good space where I am enjoying my football at club level‚ so it shows that I have been doing well and that’s why the coach has called me up.
“I will keep working hard and wait for my chance. [And] when it comes‚ I will grab it with both hands.”
TMG Digital/TMG Sport/Sowetan
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