Despite the fact that Bafana Bafana team will be playing away in tomorrow’s match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the team head Stuart Baxter has boasted to do everything possible to frustrate their rivals.
This is contained in a statement from the coach, disclosing that Bafana Bafana is ready for the match and set to silence the home crowd in Uyo, come Saturday, 10th of June. He noted that not silencing the crowd is invariably helping the Super Eagles enjoy the match. According to the him, failure to do this might contribute positively to Eagles advantage.
“I think we’ve got to shut the crowd up. That’s one of our big jobs. If we let the crowd get excited and Nigeria enjoy the game, then I think that’s going to be a big plus for them.”
While talking about plans on how to make the frustration plan happen, the coach underscored the need for them (his team) to surpass the imagination of their host and be confident while on the field of play. He says that’s one sure way to turn the table in their favour. He further identified the strategy as the mental psyche to winning the match.
“I think we can turn that around and frustrate them a bit, and be better than they think and have more to say than they think, then maybe the crowd could be a bit negative for them.
“With the mental part of the game, the boys have to feel that this is one where we can spoil the party a bit. We can make it difficult for Nigeria.”
On the other side, Eagles’ Coach has reportedly admitted that the match is not going to be an easy one. Gernot Rohr was reported to have accepted the Bafana Bafana team of South Africa as the strongest opponent the Eagles will be facing since his (Rohr) appointment as coach.
“They are the strongest opponent I will face so far as (Super) Eagles coach because they have not lost a match over a long time. I’m also aware that they stopped Nigeria from getting to the Afcon in 2015, and that this match is very important for Nigeria. The game will be difficult, it will be a big challenge to beat the South Africans,” Rohr submitted.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are full of excitement already, confident in the game of their players and fantasizing their victory ahead of time.
Correspondent: Ridwan Adelaja
