Legend Motale rates Bafana’s AFCON chances

With the AFCON tournament having started on a high note, Bafana Bafana legend Edward Motale rates the team’s chances.

Bafana will meet Mali in a Group E opener on Tuesday night and the 1996 AFCON winner says coach Hugo Broos’ side can reach the second round.

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The retired Bafana and Orlando Pirates defender, Motale says the team can be able to secure a point against Mali and beat Namibia in their second group stage match.

Motale’s sentiments come as hosts Cote d’Ivoire managed to secure a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau on Saturday night – the legend looks at Bafana’s chances.

LEGEND MOTALE RATES BAFANA’S AFCON CHANCES

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Motale was part of the iconic Bafana team which won the AFCON on home soil with the late legendary coach Clive Barker in 1996 – he has belief in the team as he rates them highly.

“I think we’ll go to the next round. I’ve a strong belief that we’ll get a point against Mali, we’ll beat (Peter) Shalulile (Namibia) and then we’ll go to the next round,” said Motale per Sowetan.

“The balance of the team is fair because you have young and old players and they will complement each other with energy and experience.

“But AFCON is a big stage and if you didn’t plan well, whether you have all the Maradonas and the Peles, it’s going to be difficult for you.

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“I just hope that the coach and his technical team have planned very well even though I know they didn’t [hold] camp for a long time.

“I think they only had a two-week camp and in terms of weather or climate, I’m not sure (if SA will cope).

“Fortunately, most of the games will be played at night but the country is very humid. But I think we’ve got a very formidable squad that can go through to the next round.”

EX-DEFENDER WARY OF FATIGUE AT AFCON

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The legend nicknamed Magents adds that it will be highly crucial how Bafana coach Broos manages his troops and he is wary of fatigue.

This comes after the team consisting of 10 Mamelodi Sundowns players, has had a tight schedule in the DStv Premiership and in the CAF Champions League.

“Fatigue can be crippling but it also depends on the training. If the training wasn’t toned down, it was hard, then definitely fatigue will catch up with them,” adds the legend.

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“I’m also worried in that (experience) department. Most of the players are newcomers (at AFCON) and that is a little bit of a problem because this is a new stage with all those big names there.”

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