2010 FIFA World Cup hero rates Bafana’s AFCON chances

Retired Bafana Bafana midfielder and 2010 FIFA World Cup hero Siphiwe Tshabalala rates the current team’s AFCON chances as they will head to Cote d’Ivoire next year.

Tshabalala is famed for scoring the opening goal of the 2010 World Cup edition which was hosted for the first time in the African continent.

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Also known as one of the finest left-footed players to don the Kaizer Chiefs jersey, Tshabalala says Bafana are capable of causing an upset at AFCON.

He shares his views as Bafana are in camp preparing for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and will meet Benin and Rwanda.

2010 FIFA WORLD CUP HERO RATES BAFANA’S AFCON CHANCES

The Chiefs and Bafana legend, Tshabalala says the side coached by Hugo Broos will surprise many teams in Cote d’Ivoire – the tournament gets underway in January next year.

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The 1996 African champions are in the same group together with Namibia, Mali, and Tunisia.

“We do have a strong chance. In football you always get a chance, each and every game is an opportunity for you to do well and do better,” says Tshabalala per FarPOST.

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“There are games coming up now which I believe the focus should be on those games that will help us enhance our chances of qualifying for the World Cup.

“Then in two months’ time, it’s a big spectacle in the AFCON and I also believe that we do have a chance as well.

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“We just need to make sure that we are consistent and work hard to make sure that we qualify for the next round which is a stage whereby anything can happen.

“But I do believe that we have a squad to compete. I do believe that we can cause a great upset in the tournament.”

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The Soweto-born legend nicknamed ‘Shabba’ says it’s very important to qualify for the World Cup and backs the team to secure a ticket.

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Bafana last played on the global stage in 2010 when Mzansi hosted and the dreadlocked legend is confident of a return to the global showpiece.

“The biggest objective is to qualify for the World Cup. But there are small hurdles that we need to overcome in order to achieve that goal, which is to qualify,” adds Thabalala.

“So each and every game is very important. Each and every game can make you and can also break you.

“So when it comes to the national team there is no such thing as a friendly game.”

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