Lefa Tsutsulupa, Moroka Swallows, April 2013Getty images

Lefa Tsutsulupa: Bafana Bafana need to win their home games

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder midfielder Lefa Tsutsulupa says the national team were unfortunate not to secure the full three points in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Libya.

The Moroka Swallows skipper believes the national team is suffering from what many coaches in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) complain about, as a lack of killer intstinct in the final third plagued Bafana against the Mediterranean Knights at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

“Yeah I honestly think they played well throughout the game and credit must also go to the midfield especially in the defensive roles,” Tsutsulupa told Goal.

“You could see Libya were doing well in the first half and were looking for an early goal, they had two great chances in the first half,” he added.

“I think their (Bafana) downfall was that final pass in the final third to pick up the strikers, but they worked hard I must say,” reacted the former Moroka Swallows player.

“On the other hand, I think it boils down to the issue we have had in many years where we hear many coaches complaining about that finishing in the box,” he responded.

“That is the problem in the PSL, it is like that in the development and at the international stage, but I think it also has to do with finding each other and understanding the moves and so on,” said the Ladybrand-born legend.

Meanwhile, Tsutsulupa also lamented the stalemate, but said coach Stuart Baxter's men must ensure they add to the woes of Seychelles whom they will meet next month.

The islanders are yet to bag a win in Group E as they lost to Libya 5-1 and suffered a 3-0 defeat to the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Saturday at home.

“If you have noticed there are no small teams in football anymore and those so called minnows are growing up, my point is we cannot be guaranteed a win against Seychelles,” he warned.

“Football is unpredictable and anything can happen, I want to say that we need to win our home games and if we don't we will end up looking at the other teams to do us a favour,” said the Dube Birds legend.

With the absence of key players such as Hlompho Kekana, Bongani Zungu and Themba Zwane, the dreadlocked legend believes Bafana players and the fans must do away with the mentality that no player is irreplaceable.

“I don't think we missed any player, we need to run away from such excuses because whoever is on the field must do the job and this is the national team,” said the former Bloemfontein Celtic player.

“Any player that is selected to do the job must go out there and represent the nation with pride and I also want to say the supporters did well to rally behind the side,” said the former Bafana international.

“However, I feel like more can be done to bring more people to the stadium and I hope the powers that be will have some plans to ensure the opposition feels the pressure from the stands,” concluded the 38-year-old.

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