Sibusiso Vilakazi, who inspired South Africa to a 3-0 victory against Sudan, has spoken to the media ahead of the mouthwatering tie against Nigeria. The 1996 Afcon winners now hope to win their first ever competitive game against the Super Eagles on Wednesday at the Cape Town Stadium. “We just need to keep our feet grounded and the rest will follow. The players know what it means to represent one’s country; they know that behind their backs that they are carrying the hopes of 52 million people," Vilakazi said. The PSL player of the season scored twice in Omdurman to set Shakes Mashaba on a good spell in his first game in charge of Bafana Bafana.
“That is one philosophy coach Shakes Mashaba has been drumming home now and again and I am seeing the attitude of players has tremendously changed. They are prepared to die for a just cause, work for each other and want to bring pride and happiness to the country. That is the type of task any responsible citizen needs to carry to make a difference in society,” said Vilakazi.
Bafana Bafana know they could have an even tougher task since Nigeria lost 3-2 against Congo on Saturday, so the reigning Afcon champions will need to get a result now. “We know our history against Nigeria but we are determined to change all that. History is always there to be rewritten and I am confident that come Wednesday, we will put smiles on most South Africans's faces,” said Vilakazi.
Bafana Bafana have historically struggled against Nigeria, even on home soil. Stand-in captain Senzo Meyiwa, who's taken over from the injured Itumeleng Khune, also wants to rewrite the record books. “My only appeal to Capetonians is to buy tickets and provide an electric atmosphere. Cape Town people have never disappointed and I know they will provide that extra motivation when we trot into the pitch on Wednesday,” said the Orlando Pirates keeper.
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