In an ongoing chat with Football411, former Bafana Bafana midfielder Zane Moosa believes scoring goals is crucial to the strikers' confidence, and says the national team need to finish off opposition more convincingly.
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In Part I Moosa shared his feelings about the midfield men that make up the Bafana spine, and here he discusses the hitmen available to coach Gordon Igesund.
This assessment comes after South Africa lost 1-0 to Norway and then drew 0-0 with Algeria in friendly games arranged to ready the team for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Katlego Mphela started the first match against the Norwegians as a lone striker and against the number-two ranked side in Africa, Kaizer Chiefs forward Bernard Parker partnered him.
"Not hitting the back of the net is a concern. We need to score goals, how else would we win," the former Sundowns and Chiefs midfield maestro told this site.
"It also affects the striker's confidence, and not just his confidence, the entire team. A winning team is more confident and I do not see that confidence right now. Yes, they are playing well, they've got possession, but goals win games," said the 1996 Africa Cup winner.
Moosa is also of the opinion that former Orlando Pirates loanee Tokelo Rantie should start up front with Mphela.
"I like Rantie, he seems more motivated as he is always running in to space, looking for the ball and makes things happen. Defenders cannot rest when he is around. But he is young and needs the guidance that Mphela can offer. Mphela is experienced and there is no substitute for that," he said.
"He (Mphela) is a damn good striker and has the goals to prove it, he has pedigree, but he needs to find his scoring touch and he also has to assist Rantie. I think the two of them will make a deadly combination.
"Bernard is a good player, don't get me wrong, and I think he too can be partnered with Rantie. I just think that boy (Rantie) needs more game time. More game time, more chances to score, and he will score," he said with certainty.
Hosts Bafana raise the curtain on AFCON this Saturday with a clash against the Cape Verde Islands and Moosa sees no reason why they should not win this Group A duel.
"We are at home; we've got the advantage so why must we hold back. We should go on a full out attack, get the goals and then maybe protect that lead," he added.
"We've also got the 12th man, the crowd. Our crowd will let them (Cape Verde) know they are playing in Mzansi, they will know they are playing away from home and in our cauldron, they must feel uncomfortable on that field.
"For our players, they know the feeling when those vuvuzela blows, when the crowd cheers your every touch, once they enter that field they will know that they 1-0 up already, but then they must fight for that victory," a passionate Moosa exclaimed.
By Shahied Joseph
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