Bafana Bafana take on Sierra Leone this afternoon at FNB Stadium with Hugo Broos looking to find some confidence ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Broos is attempting to look at the glass half full when they face the Leone Stars and Botswana during this current FIFA International break as he looks to find confidence and potentially new players.
His regular attack force of Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United), Lyle Foster (Westerlo), Percy Tau (Al Ahly), Fagrie Lakay (Pyramids) and Evidence Makgopa (Orlando Pirates) are all unavailable for selection which offers new opportunities this afternoon.
Having lost to Ghana, France, Morocco and a draw with Guinea, the aim against the upcoming opposition is to raise confidence ahead of the Libera clashes in the AFCON qualifiers next year.
“It is often in losses against great teams where the most valuable lessons are learned, but then again you can’t always be learning the lessons and not winning. Everyone loves a winning team and we’re a great team and we want to win,” Broos said ahead of the game.
Meanwhile, Sierra Leone boss John Keister, whose side faces DR Congo next during this current break, are preparing for a doubleheader against São Tomé and Príncipe in their Group A AFCON qualifiers.
“I don’t want to make excuses. Yes, some team members only arrived this morning [on Friday] via Ghana, but we know what we need to do and we also want to win,” the coach said in the pre-match press conference.
Bafana Bafana XI: Williams (c); Mobbie, Sibisi, Maela, Modiba, Le Roux, Sithole, Sekgota, Zwane, Mayambela, Lepasa.
Subs: Mothwa, Buthelezi, Mudau, De Reuck, Xulu, Msani, Mosele, Mokoena, Mthethwa, Du Preez, Mayo, Mmodi.
Sierra Leone XI: Kamara; Kakay, Bangura, Koroma, Caulker (c), Sillah, Morsay, Quee, Bakayoko, Conteh, Kargbo.
Subs: Sesay, Kamaram Conteh, Mansaray, Cesay, Turay, Samadia, Barrie, Kamara, Turay, Willimas.
