By Satish Sekar in Rustenburg © Satish Sekar (October 7^th 2020)

‘Friendlies’

Molefi Ntseki is clear what his goals are. The two friendly matches against Namibia and Zambia are about preparation for November’s double-header against São Tomé e Príncipe. Ntseki refuses to take the so-called minnows lightly.

He explained his reasons for picking the opponents, Namibia on 8 October and 2012 AFCON Champions Zambia, on Sunday, at a press conference which also told media about an agreement to host Bafana Bafana matches at tomorrow’s venue, Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium.

Both Namibia and Zambia are under new management since last year’s AFCON Finals. Ricardo Mannetti’s playing career ended in 2003, having played in the 1998 AFCON.

He coached Namibia from 2013 until 2019 with a brief interlude in 2015. Richard ‘Bobby’ Samaria took over the Brave Warriors – he is still their coach

Not So Great Expectations

“Namibia are a very tough team physically,” Ntseki told media. “They play with a lot of enthusiasm and motivation.

“We are expecting a very tough match.”

He pointed out that top Namibian players Peter Shalulie and Deon Hotto had recently moved to bigger teams in South Africa’s PSL (Premier Soccer League), Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates.

“They [Namibia] are a hard-running team,” Ntseki said. “that is why we felt they would give us what we are really looking for when we talk about tactical elements of the game.

“You need to have tough opponents.”

He pointed out that Namibia, then coached by Ricardo Mannetti, had given the Bafana Bafana a tough match at last year’s AFCON.

Although expecting more of the same, tomorrow’s match was about learning about his players and preparing for the vital AFCON 2021 Qualifiers against São Tomé e Príncipe next month.

“It will be a very tough and interesting match and it will really help us prepare for São Tomé,” Ntseki said.