Masinga: South Africa is lacking in self belief

Jun 12, 2012 3:30:00 PM

The former Bafana Bafana striker believes that the national team players need to rediscover their confidence in international competition

Former South Africa striker Philemon 'Chippa' Masinga says Pitso Mosimane's successor will inherit a team lacking in self-belief following a winless streak that has now stretched to eight matches.

Bafana face Gabon in an international friendly in Nelspruit on Friday following a below-par performance that has seen them collecting a paltry two points out of a possible six in their opening Group A 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia and Botswana.

Safa will this week begin the process of interviewing the five candidates they have short-listed to take over the post of Bafana head coach, left vacant following the dismissal of Mosimane.

Moroka Swallows mentor Gordon Igesund is tipped to land the job from a list that also includes current caretaker coach Steve Komphela, Gavin Hunt of SuperSport United, Shakes Mashaba (who is in charge of the national Under-23 team) and former Bafana skipper Neil Tovey.

Masinga, who played for Leeds United in the English Premiership and scored 18 goals for Bafana between 1992 and 2001, told Kickoff.com that an effective motivator is required to turn around the fortunes of the national team.

"The players no longer believe in themselves. This was very clear during the two international matches against Ethiopia and Botswana," said Masinga.

"It gets to you as a player when the team is not winning. The supporters become hostile and this can affect the morale of the team," adds the retired striker.

"I know this is what is happening with Bafana because I have been in a similar situation as a player.

"The players need a coach with the ability to motivate them to play with the passion that comes with representing your country," Masinga remarked.

Safa are expected to name the new Bafana coach on June 18.

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