Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has retained the bulk of the squad that defeated Mauritius 3-0 in the first leg of the 2016 Chand qualifiers at Dobsonville last Saturday.
South Africa will face Mauritius in the second leg on Sunday, July 5 at 5pm (SA time) at the 18 000-seater Stade Anjalay, in Mapou, Mauritius.
Mashaba named 16 players in his 18-man travelling squad that did duty against Mauritius in the first leg - bringing in only two players who were not available for the home leg - defenders Thabo Matlaba and Ntsikelelo Nyauza.
“We did not have much to do in selecting this squad because we looked at the players who played the first leg and needed to add just two more,” said Mashaba.
“What we are looking for are players who will show big match temperament because Mauritius is going to throw everything at us, they won’t sit back like they did last weekend. You could see after the match they were not too disappointed by the 3-0 scoreline. They believe they will reverse the result. I believe the boys will do well though.
“The good thing though is that we also know what we are going to face. The first match gave us an indication of our strong points and weak points, but we will go out there and improve our performance. We are not going for a draw; we will go for a win. An early goal will dampen their spirits so we will do our best to get one.”
Siphelele Ntshangase scored two goals with the other coming from Thamsanqa Gabuza to give Bafana Bafana a convincing win, but Mashaba will urge his players not to be complacent.
“The question of complacency is not an easy thing to deal with because it is in the players’ minds, but we will be guarding against it. We will drum it in the players’ heads that that approach and attitude won’t do us any good,” said Mashaba.
The Bafana Bafana mentor said he was confident all players selected would travel to Mauritius.
“This game does not fall on the Fifa Calendar Week, but we are hopeful the clubs will release the players. We request them to bear with us and we are thankful of those that released their players for the first leg,” said Mashaba.
“But I would also like to say to our fans, media and everyone - let us not allow yesterday to take too much of our energy for tomorrow. Let us put everything in the past and focus on the road ahead, and channel our energy in the right way.”
Bafana assemble for camp on Sunday, in Johannesburg.
The team is scheduled to travel to Mauritius for the Chan return leg on July 2.
Bafana Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers
Jackson Mabokgwane (Black Aces), Itumeleng Khune (unattached)
Defenders
Wandisile Letlabika (Bloemfontein Celtic), Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates), Ntsikelelo Nyauza (Orlando Pirates), Tshepo Gumede (Orlando Pirates), Marc van Heerden (Amazulu), Kwanda Mngonyama (Maritzburg United)
Midfielders
Gift Motupa (Orlando Pirates), Thabang Monare (Jomo Cosmos), Musa Nyatama (Bloemfontein Celtic), Mandla Masango (unattached), William Twala (Chippa United), Vuyisile Wana (Moroka Swallows)
Strikers
Bonginkosi Ntuli (Amazulu), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Orlando Pirates), Ndumiso Mabena (Platinum Stars), Siphelele Ntshangase (Black Leopards)
ANA