Former Bafana Bafana winger Joel Masilela says coach Stuart Baxter’s decision to include a number of Mamelodi Sundowns players in his squad for the clash against Libya is a great idea.
‘Fire’ reckons that the South Africans must just enjoy themselves in Tunisia and forget about being under pressure to secure a point to reach the 2019 Caf African Cup of Nations tournament.
“The result against Al Ahli Benghazi in the Caf Champions League will definitely help Bafana, exactly and that is why Baxter included Sundowns players in the squad," Masilela told Goal.
The likes of Themba Zwane, Hlompho Kekana, Tiyani Mabunda, Lebohang Maboe, and Rivaldo Coetzee will help the 1996 African champions because these players will share some insights on how the Libyans play as well as their weaknesses.
“They are not in the squad to add numbers and I think they are there not only to share their experience based on that game against the Libyan club, but they are on form as well," he said.
“I am confident they will also guide their teammates, share the experience with the crop at international level because they know the bunch of that Libyan squad – Baxter must be commended for that," he noted.
Coming back to the result where the national side is looking for a point to join Nigeria at the biennial tournament in Egypt, Masilela says the guys must enjoy themselves.
“Yes we need a draw, but it is a must-win for us. We need to win convincingly a must win and they must just to enjoy themselves, don’t get intimidated by the opponent or the supporters and that is where Sundowns or those players who are experienced in Champions league will help,
The players from Orlando Pirates have played against Esperance and have tasted the intimidation, bullying from North Africans. I think they must respect Libya, but they must not be scared,” backed the legend.
“We have been struggling for some tie as a national team and we need to get a ticket to Egypt and bring back our pride," responded 'Fire'.
“We can’t miss two Afcon tournaments in a row and I have faith that in a row, we just need to have faith in the squad and we will have a new beginning just after qualifying for the tournament," reflected the former international.
“I think this is the best squad assembled by the coach and we can achieve things with these guys, let’s have faith,” he concluded.
