South Africa will sport a new attack when they face Gambia in the opening round of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban tomorrow.
Following first choice striker Tokelo Rantie’s no-show at the squad’s Durban base this week, Orlando Pirates striker Thamsanqa Gabuza arrived yesterday as a late replacement. The lanky forward has one international game under his belt, which places him at a similar level to the other attackers, Bonginkosi Ntuli, Vuyisile Wana, Gift Motupa and Siphelele Ntshangase. And with him having his first training session with the squad today, it’s unlikely Gabuza would be thrust into the starting XI.
Then again coach Ephraim Mashaba has shown in the past that he is not afraid to place his trust in untested players. He promoted teenage defender Rivaldo Coetzee from the junior national teams, and raised a few eyebrows when Bongani Ndulula was enlisted for the last qualifying competition.
The coach, meanwhile, has cleared up the air over Rantie’s absence and explained Gabuza’s call-up. “Rantie was still busy with his family and wedding things, so we brought in Gabuza. It was a difficult task because other players we called were on holiday in London and Paris,” said Mashaba.
That could be a reference to the other Pirates star, Kermit Erasmus, who is reportedly holidaying in Europe. Erasmus has been on form for Bucs in the league as well as in the CAF Confederations Cup. Gabuza bagged three goals in two matches to help Pirates advance to the Confederations Cup group stage and that earned him this call-up, said Mashaba.
“We tried to get other strikers, but they were on holiday, so we got Gabuza. The good thing is that he’s fit. Current form is one of the main criteria for selection and he’s playing very well.”
The former Golden Arrows forward will be in familiar territory in Durban, however he’ll likely play second fiddle to Ntuli. The Mamelodi Sundowns man showed his potential while on loan at AmaZulu and is the most natural striker among all the attackers. While Mashaba has preferred fielding twin strikers, he suggested one forward could be deployed, supported by an attacking midfield.
Only the group winners qualify for the tournament in Gabon, so it’s crucial to be successful at home.
Mashaba expects Gambia to “park the bus”, and that’s where the Bafana “ball players” are expected to come to the fore and support whoever fronts the attack. “People are talking about Gambia as an easy draw. They will come here and park the bus. It will be difficult to break them down, so regaining possession when we lose it will be important, as well as how to organise and have more bodies behind the ball. Gambia won’t come as sheep to the slaughter. We’ll take the game to them and see their reaction, but if we run like headless chickens we’ll be punished,” warned Mashaba.
The experienced midfield of Thulani Serero, May Mahlangu, Ayanda Patosi, Andile Jali and Oupa Manyisa should make a difference. “We have good midfield players who are fast, skilful and they give us numbers when we are attacking and defending. We won’t make big changes and the strikers will fit into the plan,” said Mashaba.
Mahlangu won’t be short of passion as he returns to the fold after a fall-out with Mashaba late last year when he failed to honour a call-up. The player said “everything was resolved with the coach and Safa” and that he looked forward to winning his place in the side.
Senior goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune, who returned to the squad following injury, is likely to lead the side. Like Mahlangu, he too becomes a free agent at the end of the month when he leaves Kaizer Chiefs. Jackson Mabokgwane is set to be the reserve goalkeeper after Brilliant Khuzwayo was laid low by the flu yesterday.
South Africa’s final training session will be at the match venue this morning. - The Star