Bafana Bafana will have to negotiate their way through an Astroturf surface face an artificial pitch that coach Stuart Baxter has described as "not the best" when they take on Cape Verde in a crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier in Praia on Friday night. We take a look at five Bafana players who will be crucial for Baxter in taking the game to the hosts in this must-win encounter. • Thulani Hlatshwayo. The Bafana captain will marshal the heart of the defence with either Eric Mathoho or Morgan Gould and his familiarity with cabbage pitches in Africa with Bidvest Wits and the national team will come in handy. • Bongani Zungu. The artificial Estádio Nacional de Cabo Verde pitch is a far cry from the pristine Portuguese Primeira Liga grounds where he turns out for Vitória Guimarães, but Zungu will have to adapt very quickly if he is to make a meaningful contribution in midfield. • Hlompho Kekana. The Mamelodi Sundowns midfield strongman became accustomed to playing on deplorable pitches on ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.