IT'S WAR

BAFANA Bafana face Zambia in a friendly at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at 3pm on Saturday in their final match before their Africa Cup of Nations squad is announced next month.

One of the reasons coach Hugo Broos wants to win the clash against Chipolopolo is to ensure his manne remain in the top 10 of the Caf rankings. That’s why defender Nkosinathi Sibisi acknowledges that this will be no ordinary friendly.

Sibisi said: “I think we totally agree with the coach – there’s no such thing as a friendly game. As soon as you wear that jersey and you are on the field, it’s war. But it’s a peaceful war. So, yeah, I think come Saturday, it will be guns blazing.”

Bafana will need exactly that mindset. A win would also help maintain cohesion and understanding within the group, especially since Broos has kept the core of his squad intact while only calling up two newcomers – Keletso Makgalwa and Masindi Nemtajela.

Anything but defeat would also extend Bafana’s unbeaten run to 25 matches – a record that would please both the team and Mzansi.

Sibisi added: “It’s always nice playing your rivals, but for us, it’s just a matter of continuity. Gaining momentum is always difficult, so we’re trying to keep it within the group. I think come Saturday, we’ll be ready.”

The match won’t only test the players’ readiness but Broos’ decision-making as well. The experienced Belgian still has tough choices to make before naming the final 23-man squad that will represent SA at Afcon.

Given that the final list is yet to be confirmed, Sibisi reiterated the importance of giving maximum effort in every training session and match.

Sibisi said: “The motivation is always the same whenever we are in camp. Whether we are playing a friendly game or a qualifier, we always train as if it’s our last session.”