Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi says they are targeting a confidence boosting win for qualification to the last-16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and lauded the talent in the current squad.
South Africa face Zimbabwe in their Group B finale in Marrakech on Monday afternoon, with a Cosafa derby, while Angola face Egypt, who are already qualified for the knockout stages in a simultaneous kick-off slot at 18h00.
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With only one win in their last five games, while South Africa come in with four during the same period, Broos’ troops are favourites for the fixture, but Sibisi admits it’s not a forgone conclusion.
“We’re always motivated to play against Zimbabwe, I think as the coach mentioned, we played them a couple of times in the qualifiers, so for us I think, going into the game it won’t be easy, we know there’s a rivalry as neighbours,” he said.
“I think we had the upper hand on them in the qualifiers, but it still won’t be easy – but if we bring our A-game and focused, we’ll definitely make it through.
“As the coach alluded to, a result is important, we don’t want to lose, but we know a victory will be a good motivation going into the next round, we’re looking forward to the game and getting the result.”
Sibisi and Khulumani Ndamane have been consistent performers in the national team and are currently behind Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Siyabonga Ngezana in the central defence options.
Added to the displays of Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba over the past few years as full backs, the Orlando Pirates captain says it’s a case of all round quality in the side, raising the level of performances and consistency of results.
“As you mentioned iron sharpens iron, it speaks to the quality we have, not only in defence but everywhere around the pitch,” Sibisi added.
“I think whether it’s me or other guys playing you won’t tell the difference, and I think it’s how it should be, it will help in strengthening our team.”
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