By Grant Shub
Treble-winning PSL coach Gavin Hunt believes that while Bafana Bafana will not sacrifice their attacking brand of football, they need to show more defensive resolve when facing Mali in their AFCON quarter-final on Saturday.
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Bafana have managed to answer many of their critics by finding the back of the net of late - scoring four times in two Africa Cup of Nations games - but Hunt believes the 2-2 draw with Morocco highlighted the side's defensive fragility.
"I think the biggest problem with Bafana's back four is the full-backs. They are really good attacking players, but are not the best defenders," the former Hellenic right-back told Football411.
He continued: "Bafana are getting caught on the counter-attack as the full-backs are pushing forward and exposing the centre-halves.
"They need to be more aware of when to drop off, when to push on and when to hold their line. Bongani Khumalo especially is getting caught underneath the ball. He's got to back off when there's no pressure on the ball."
While the current SuperSport United coach - once widely tipped to take the reins of the national side - believes Gordon Igesund's men have done well navigating the group stages for the first time since 2002, he cautions against complacency.
"Bafana mustn't get ahead of themselves. While Gordon's as close to his best combination as possible, honestly speaking I still don't think they have produced a convincing 90-minute display."
Although Hunt endorses consistency in selection, he says Reneilwe Letsholonyane would be a welcome addition to the starting line-up.
"I favour Yeye as he's a real passer of the ball, which I like in a player. Conceding too much possession is a common trend in South African football - most of our side's ball retention isn't very good.
"The way Bafana play they are going to give the ball away a lot, because they really go for it and attack, but Yeye can steady the ship," he concluded.
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