Bafana Bafana's Kamohelo Mokotjo Has His Ambitions For AFCON 2019
Kamohelo Mokotjo
Kamohelo Mokotjo may have played a vital role in helping Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2019 African Cup of Nations, but he insists that he's not assured of a spot in the final squad. Read: New Amakhosi Exit Confirmed The Brentford man was an important player for Stuart Baxter as South Africa managed to book their spot on the flight to Egypt for the AFCON, playing a starring role in the final qualifier as Bafana ran out 2-1 winners away against Libya to finish second in their group. Despite his performances, most recently in that game in March, 'The General' believes that everyone who is currently part of the preliminary side have a chance of getting into Baxter's final 23, insisting that those that do go need to be 'turned in to what the coach wants'. Speaking to the media this week, the 28-year-old said, "For now we're preparing, and it's intense, and everyone knows that they have a shot of making it into the squad – so nobody is taking it easy or thinking that they deserve a spot. It's a big tournament, so I think right now Bafana Bafana needs players that are tuned in to what the coach wants and are the level that is required at the tournament. "It's a new generation, and for some of us it might be our last time at the tournament… If we're undermined, then that will probably be to our advantage, because we know how well we can play if we do what's required." So what's his personal goals for AFCON? At first, it's just about getting there, he says, explaining, "Every camp is different, every camp is different. It's a major tournament, and the goal is just to get myself in the team, and then – if I do – then help the country go as far as possible… This is where it starts, the preparations, being together at the hotel, so we have a good situation here." Read: Bafana Update After Bucs Star Sits Out... Meanwhile, the midfielder sat out Wednesday's training and was, like the rest of the team, given Thursday off, but insists that there's nothing to worry about, telling the media, "It's not a serious injury, no, just feeling a bit stiff. The camp will be long, so sometimes you just need to pace yourself… The staff decided to protect me a little bit, so I'm grateful for that." Mokotjo played 37 games for Brentford in all competitions this season, becoming an integral part of the London club's squad over the course of the campaign.
