SAFA’s Technical Director, Neil Tovey says the Association is set for a fresh start in coming months with a number of initiatives to make it a world class organisation.

SAFA’s Technical Director, Neil Tovey says the Association is set for a fresh start in coming months with a number of initiatives to make it a world class organisation.

Briefing members of the media at the weekend, Tovey said among the main priorities for the Association was bringing back fans to the stadium beginning next month.

“We need bums on seats at home matches because this has a win-win scenario. Capacity crowds create an electric atmosphere and fires up players. It also creates an intimidating atmosphere for the visitors; hence we need massive support when we host teams,” said Tovey.

Added SAFA TD: “We have to win back the fans and start filling up our stadiums when we play home matches. But to achieve this, we need to win almost all of our home game and play good and attractive football – that is what fans want. We have to bring back that air of invincibility whenever we play at home.”

Tovey also underscored the need for national teams to win their home games as this is the basis of qualifying for major tournaments.

Bafana Bafana’s busy schedule in 2017 kicks off with two friendly matches on 25 and 28 March against top African sides. The opponents have been identified but a few loose ends need to be tied up before the announcements.

The senior national team then meets Botswana in the CHAN qualifiers the following month.

Tovey said he was not worried by Nigeria, who with Seychelles and Libya makes up Group F for Cameroon 2019 AFCON qualifying tournament.

“We knocked out Nigeria from qualifying for 2015 AFCON and I reckon they will be more worried by drawing us in the group than we are about them.”

Tovey added that the key to Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was to win their remaining home matches against Burkina Faso and Cape Verde and beat Cape Verde away in September.

Bafana drew 1-1 away with the Stallions and defeated Senegal 2-1 at home and jointly lead Group D with Burkina Faso on four points with four matches remaining.

“We are in a decent position to qualify. I reckon 10 or 12 points will see us home and dry.”