If Bafana Bafana could not be among the 16 teams that have qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), then what chance do they have of securing one of the five 2018 World Cup spots available for African teams?
With just one goal at home and a single victory in six matches, the Afcon qualifying campaign was a total disaster for the team, but midfielders Keagan Dolly and Dean Furman have not lost hope even though the World Cup qualifiers are about a month away.
The players, according to Dolly, are feeling bad because of all the pressure and criticism that coach Shakes Mashaba has been subjected to.
"Obviously, it makes us feel bad. The coach and the technical staff believed in us, which is why they called us up. I don't think they need to take the blame," said the Mamelodi Sundowns winger.
"We need to take the blame because we are the ones not converting chances. We stand together as one team and we always support the coach. Hopefully things will change."
Bafana collected just three points out of a possible nine at home in their just completed Afcon qualifying campaign, a poor record which is not good enough if the team hope to constantly be involved at major competitions.
Furman has called for improvements at home when their World Cup qualifying campaign begins.
"The main feeling is that three points from our home matches is not good enough and that's not going to help you qualify for major tournaments. That's something we got to put right. We need to use our home advantage," said the SuperSport United holding midfielder.
"I think the overriding factor is that we were playing catch up from the start. We drew at home to Gambia and then we lost to Mauritania. From then on it was a big ask to go and qualify. So it's important we get off to a good start in our group. And our finishing in open play can be better."
Furman, meanwhile, believes Egypt will give Bafana good preparation before the World Cup qualifiers. They host the Pharaohs in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Orlando Stadium tonight (7.05pm).
We are to blame - Bafana midfielders
If Bafana Bafana could not be among the 16 teams that have qualified for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), then what chance do they have of securing one of the five 2018 World Cup spots available for African teams?
With just one goal at home and a single victory in six matches, the Afcon qualifying campaign was a total disaster for the team, but midfielders Keagan Dolly and Dean Furman have not lost hope even though the World Cup qualifiers are about a month away.
The players, according to Dolly, are feeling bad because of all the pressure and criticism that coach Shakes Mashaba has been subjected to.
"Obviously, it makes us feel bad. The coach and the technical staff believed in us, which is why they called us up. I don't think they need to take the blame," said the Mamelodi Sundowns winger.
"We need to take the blame because we are the ones not converting chances. We stand together as one team and we always support the coach. Hopefully things will change."
Bafana collected just three points out of a possible nine at home in their just completed Afcon qualifying campaign, a poor record which is not good enough if the team hope to constantly be involved at major competitions.
Furman has called for improvements at home when their World Cup qualifying campaign begins.
"The main feeling is that three points from our home matches is not good enough and that's not going to help you qualify for major tournaments. That's something we got to put right. We need to use our home advantage," said the SuperSport United holding midfielder.
"I think the overriding factor is that we were playing catch up from the start. We drew at home to Gambia and then we lost to Mauritania. From then on it was a big ask to go and qualify. So it's important we get off to a good start in our group. And our finishing in open play can be better."
Furman, meanwhile, believes Egypt will give Bafana good preparation before the World Cup qualifiers. They host the Pharaohs in the Nelson Mandela Challenge at Orlando Stadium tonight (7.05pm).
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos