Some might have had doubts about Bafana Bafana's chances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, but former defender Japie Motale is confident that Hugo Broos' charges can go all the way to the last game of the competition.
Bafana defeated Namibia 4-0 on Sunday night to boost their chances of qualifying for the Last 16 round of the competition.
Having lost the opening match against Mali last Tuesday, the Namibia game was like a must-win for Bafana and the team completed the job in style.
Motale is confident the team will do well in the final game against Tunisia to go as far as reaching the final in the knockout stages.
The Good
"Bafana Bafana defied the odds by winning the game when many people thought that they wouldn't do well and credit to the team for doing the job. I have always been optimistic and even now I am still saying that the team will reach the final, or the semi-finals at least. We have got a solid team out there, especially with the combination of Sundowns players that we have in our squad. Sundowns have been winning things and therefore having them in our team will help to give us that winning mentality. It's an advantage for us. Sundowns play in the CAF Champions League every year and that makes them familiar with players from all around Africa and their style of play and that helps us. The Champions League is more like another local league competition for Sundowns and we should use that to our advantage," said Motale.
The Bad
"All that we need going into the game against Tunisia is for our players to keep calm. We mustn't allow to be put under pressure by anyone. We should remain focused and aim to get nothing less than three points in the final group match. We shouldn't even worry about what's happening elsewhere and just focus on winning our match and that should do the job for us. In football, it's about taking one game at a time and focus, and things will work for you," he said.
The Ugly
Message to Evidence Makgopa critics
"All I am wishing for is for our supporters to be patient. Looking at how we have done as a country in unearthing such a talent, I think we should be proud of ourselves. A few years ago, nobody knew about Evidence Makgopa and Baroka discovered him at the Maimane Alfred Phiri Games. He wasn't with the club for too long before he was signed by Orlando Pirates and therefore there should be something good about the boy. You can't criticise a player like that and what should be kept in mind is that it's a learning process. It's unlike talking about a player who is from an academy of Kaizer Chiefs, or any other top club for example, but it's a different story altogether. Even with Siyanda (Xulu), the fans were too harsh on him, and it was unnecessary for people to criticise him in the manner they did after the first game. I think our supporters need to be patient with players in situations like these," concluded Motale.
Below you can send your messages of support to Bafana for the last group game
