Thabo Mnyamane has an opportunity to nail down a place in a new-look Bafana Bafana in the two upcoming friendlies.
The forward makes his return to the national team for the first time since scoring on debut in a 2-1 friendly win against under Shakes Mashaba in Swaziland in Mbabane in March 2015.
Mnyamane has become a more dynamic‚ technically sound attacker since then‚ and a subsequent transfer from struggling University of Pretoria to structured‚ title-chasing SuperSport United at the beginning of 2016-17.
His six goals in all competitions and assists have seen Mnyamane recalled under caretaker-coach Owen Da Gama for the friendlies on Saturday against Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium and on Wednesday against Angola in East London.
The forward said he was happy to join the Bafana camp after a confidence-boosting 4-0 win for SuperSport against Sudan’s Al-Ahly Shendy in Atteridgeville on Sunday‚ for a 7-2 aggregate Caf Confederation Cup first round victory.
“Obviously the result gave me a moral boost and a bit of confidence. Coming into the camp I know that I have to fight for the jersey‚ I have to work hard‚” Mnyamane said.
“Because‚ yes‚ I can get results with my club but I also need to prove myself in the national set-up.
“I believe when two countries meet there is no such thing as a friendly because pride is at stake. I don’t see these games as friendlies – I see them as game that the country needs to win and showcase that we are still here as Bafana Bafana.
“I don’t believe you can regard any other country as a smaller team. Each country is special. And Guinea-Bissau and Angola are good countries – they play good football.
“Guinea-Bissau are a good team. We know West African teams are a bit physical. It’s going to be a tough match.
“If an opportunity presents itself in these games‚ I should score.”
Mnyamane (24)‚ spotted playing in Varsity Football by Tuks coach Steve Barker in 2013‚ is among a host of exciting young attackers called up by Da Gama‚ including Bidvest Wits’ Phakamani Mahlambi and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Percy Tau. - TMG Digital/TMG Sport
Mnyamane has a chance to stake his claim for Bafana position
Thabo Mnyamane has an opportunity to nail down a place in a new-look Bafana Bafana in the two upcoming friendlies.
The forward makes his return to the national team for the first time since scoring on debut in a 2-1 friendly win against under Shakes Mashaba in Swaziland in Mbabane in March 2015.
Mnyamane has become a more dynamic‚ technically sound attacker since then‚ and a subsequent transfer from struggling University of Pretoria to structured‚ title-chasing SuperSport United at the beginning of 2016-17.
His six goals in all competitions and assists have seen Mnyamane recalled under caretaker-coach Owen Da Gama for the friendlies on Saturday against Guinea-Bissau at Moses Mabhida Stadium and on Wednesday against Angola in East London.
The forward said he was happy to join the Bafana camp after a confidence-boosting 4-0 win for SuperSport against Sudan’s Al-Ahly Shendy in Atteridgeville on Sunday‚ for a 7-2 aggregate Caf Confederation Cup first round victory.
“Obviously the result gave me a moral boost and a bit of confidence. Coming into the camp I know that I have to fight for the jersey‚ I have to work hard‚” Mnyamane said.
“Because‚ yes‚ I can get results with my club but I also need to prove myself in the national set-up.
“I believe when two countries meet there is no such thing as a friendly because pride is at stake. I don’t see these games as friendlies – I see them as game that the country needs to win and showcase that we are still here as Bafana Bafana.
“I don’t believe you can regard any other country as a smaller team. Each country is special. And Guinea-Bissau and Angola are good countries – they play good football.
“Guinea-Bissau are a good team. We know West African teams are a bit physical. It’s going to be a tough match.
“If an opportunity presents itself in these games‚ I should score.”
Mnyamane (24)‚ spotted playing in Varsity Football by Tuks coach Steve Barker in 2013‚ is among a host of exciting young attackers called up by Da Gama‚ including Bidvest Wits’ Phakamani Mahlambi and Mamelodi Sundowns’ Percy Tau. - TMG Digital/TMG Sport
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