Pitso outlines Pharaohs plan
Johannesburg - Pitso Mosimane is a man on a mission and the new Bafana Bafana boss knows he can prove a point when his side take on Egypt in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The 2010 World Cup hosts are also pooled alongside Sierra Leone and Niger, but Mosimane says the 'formidable' Pharaohs are the team to beat in Group G.
"Egypt will start as favourites in the qualifiers' campaign in our group, they are not the kings of African football for nothing," Mosimane told Sowetan.
"Egypt have assembled a formidable side, their biggest advantage is that the majority of their players are based at home and doing duty for two or three clubs."
But the man known as 'Jingles' says South Africa should be able to compete against the likes of Egypt, who are the African champions, if they want take their place amongst the continent's elite once again.
"For Bafana Bafana to be rated amongst the best teams in the world, we have to play against giants like Egypt and beat them on any given day," he said.
"When I accepted this job, I knew we will play top teams like Egypt. I want Bafana Bafana to be respected all over the world again but [we] will need support from all South Africans."
Bafana start their campaign with a home match against Niger on September 5 before travelling to Freetown a month later.
Of his side's first opponents, Mosimane said: "Niger are a closed book but I have already received a DVD of their African Nations Championship match against Nigeria. We are analysing it with the technical staff.
"They have several players based in Europe. Our plan is to start the qualifiers with a bang by beating Niger and maintain the winning momentum.
"As for Sierra Leone, we have a clear picture of what to expect after playing them during the 2010 AFCON qualifiers. Our message to South Africans is to continue supporting us."
On March 27, 2011 the Egyptians tackle South Africa at FNB Stadium while the return tie in Cairo is scheduled to take place on June 5th.
Sources - Sport24.co.za , Footbal365.co.za
