02 February 2024 – Tension will be in the air when Bafana Bafana face Cape Verde in a crunch Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal clash in Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday.
Coach Hugo Broos is well aware that both teams will be brimming with confidence after making it this far in the tournament, but he is also very wary of what the South African senior men’s team rivals can offer when the stakes are so high. “Cape Verde, we do not underestimate them, we have seen how well they play. They have discipline, they are very well organized, so we know what we are up against. They cannot be underestimated, even if we come off of a win against Africa’s best,” he said.
“In over a month since the team has been in camp, Bafana Bafana have been boosted with a clean bill of health. Mothobi Mvala was on high alert shortly before departure when he was a doubt to play. Khuliso Mudau’s was also a doubt, but now looks good for the game.
Striker Evidence Makgopa shared his views on Bafana Bafana. “We know what we need to do, we understand where we are, but we also want to go all way. We have a good team,” he said. “I have a coach who believes in me, that is why I’m here. I will play with my whole heart for him, I’ll do anything he needs me to do.”