South African coach, Shakes Mashaba, has put his trust in Thulani Hlatshwayo, to lead Bafana against Mauritania tonight. The Bidvest Wits defender will earn his eighth national cap.

The starting XI

Itumeleng Khune, Abbubaker Mobara, Tebogo Langerman, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thulani Hlatshwayo (c), Andile Jali, Hlompho Kekana, Mpho Makola, Maphosa Modiba, Sibusiso Vilakazi, Thamsanqa Gabuza.

It’s been 363 days since Mauritania defeated South Africa 3-1 at Olympic Stadium in Nouakchott.

With a 0-0 draw against Gambia at Moses Mabhida Stadium two months earlier, Bafana’s Afcon 2017 qualification hopes hung on a thread after the visit to West Africa. The thread snapped with away (2-2) and home (0-0) draws against Cameroon.

In June South Africa travelled to Bakau and thrashed Gambia 4-0. This put Bafana Bafana third on the Group M log. Cameroon top the log with 11 points and cannot be caught by second-placed Mauritania. Cameroon qualify from Group M for the finals in Gabon next year.

Tonight’s Afcon qualifier between Bafana Bafana and Mauritania at Mbombela Stadium will have little competitive purpose for the home team. A victory will give Bafana second place on the log. Second place, though, counts for nothing for South Africa.

Mauritania on the other hand, may still qualify as one of two best second-placed teams should they finish on ten points.

Coach Shakes Mashaba has no doubt that Mauritania will be extremely motivated.

“Mauritania still believe they can qualify for Afcon. They will come here spitting fire. It’s important for us to win this game to round off our campaign on a high note,” said Mashaba yesterday.

According to stadium manager, Roelf Kotze, Mbombela is proud to host two international matches in a two week period. The Springboks scored a thrilling 30-23 win over Argentina on Saturday August 20.

Exactly 13 days later the national football team is in action against Mauritania.

“We encourage soccer fans to pack the stadium tonight. The Boks drew strength from the thousands of supporters who cheered them on. We need the same for Bafana Bafana,” he said.

Kick-off is at 19:05. Tickets cost R50 and are available at Computicket outlets at Shoprite/ Checkers branches.

Limited parking will be available at the stadium on a first-come, first-servedbasis.

The regular park-and-ride will also be in operation from 16:00 pre-match, to when the last fans have been transported, post-match. It will operate from and to the Riverside Government Complex and the public-transport hub in the CBD.