14 November 2018, by: BET Contributer

THREE PLAYERS KEY TO BAFANA BAFANA’S AFCON HOPES

Forget about ‘Home ground’ advantage, the double over Nigeria and qualification because nothing else matter when Bafana Bafana take the field against Nigeria. It’s a typical encounter where anything can happen and trust me, it usually does! It’s all out war for 90 minutes as form and ability are thrown out the window.

The best way to prepare for the Group E encounter on Saturday is to scrap any and all reference to cliches. We suggest you go one step further, ignore the calculated words coming from either coach and the press. Grab a beer, sit back and enjoy. The level of enjoyment will be determined by the result at 5pm.

We’ve taken the time to identify three Bafana players who will go a long way in deciding whether South Africa qualify for AFCON 2019.

The squad chosen by Stuart Baxter certainly lacks the usual experienced campaigners. He’s rolled the dice making the presence of defender, Thulani Hlatshwayo all the more important. Some might argue that his performance on Saturday is vital in deciding the outcome. Itumeleng Khune will rely on Hlatshwayo to steady the defence and provide a calming influence as he lays the platform for the midfield to operate. The Super Eagles have a number of attacking options (Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi) and how “Tyson” shapes up those around him will be crucial.

Bafana’s goalless draws against Seychelles and Libya will only add more importance on Percy Tau’s outing. Fortunately for Baxter, Tau has been in sublime form abroad but ‘can he do it on a hot afternoon at the FNB Stadium?’

For years, the team has failed to produce quality attacking performances with the ‘next pretender to the throne’. A standout display against one of Africa’s best teams could expedite claims that Percy is indeed the real deal.

After his 12 month hiatus from International duty, Thulani Serero is back! His career abroad has not progressed in the way many expected. What’s more, the jury’s out to get him after demanding to be a permanent starter and snubbing Stuart Baxter. The fans of Bafana will only forgive and forget if he delivers a commanding performance against Nigeria.

Tap ❤️ if you are happy to see Thulani Serero back in the #Bafana squad ?? pic.twitter.com/XppdIkW65n

— BET.co.za (@betcoza) November 14, 2018

No pressure then, Thulani…

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