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Shakes sets his sights on Russia World Cup in 2018

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Coach Shakes Mashaba says Bafana has a slim chance of qualifying for Gabon  PHOTO: Lee Warren / GalloImages
Coach Shakes Mashaba says Bafana has a slim chance of qualifying for Gabon PHOTO: Lee Warren / GalloImages

Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has shifted his focus to the 2018 Russia World Cup qualifiers, which will start later this year, after conceding that the chances of going to Gabon next year are slim.

Bafana play Gambia in a must-win Africa Cup of Nations qualifier to salvage any remote chance of qualifying for the Gabon tournament.

The match will take place on Saturday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau, Gambia.

Kickoff is at 7pm South African time.

Mashaba conceded that Bafana’s fate was no longer in their hands. Their only chance of qualifying was by being one of the two best runners-up.

But even that looks unlikely as they have only three points from four games.

“We have put ourselves in a difficult situation. But we have to keep our hopes alive by winning the two games,” he said. “It’s not in our hands any more. We have left it too late, but have to keep on hoping. I know people are saying miracles last happened long time ago, when Jesus walked on water.”

Now Mashaba said he was looking at widening his base for future selection.

He included no less than five newcomers in the team, rewarding those who have been doing well at their clubs.

The newcomers include Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo, little-known Diamond Thopula from Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns captain Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Thapelo Morena from Bloemfontein Celtic and Polokwane City’s leading goal scorer, Thobani Mncwango.

“We have talked about widening the base, looking at players who are doing well at their clubs,” said Mashaba.

Bafana must garner the six points on offer and hope for a miracle to book a place at the finals.

They will play Mauritania in their last group game in September.

Cameroon top the group with eight, followed by Mauritania on seven.

Gambia are at the bottom with two.

Bafana, who go to camp this evening, will not have enough training sessions as they are scheduled to leave on Tuesday afternoon via Senegal, where
they will spend a day before connecting to Gambia on Wednesday evening.

. Meanwhile, Mashaba, who
is a former Moroka Swallows player and coach, says buying another club’s status and renaming it Swallows would not revive the Birds’ stature.

“This is like a short cut and I don’t care who says what,” said Mashaba this week. “It won’t be the same Swallows, but an artificial one which we won’t identify with. The only way to bring back our beloved Swallows is to pump in money
and a have a four-year plan to
bring it back to the PSL.

“Don’t go the short route as it won’t be the same club.”

He was commenting following reports suggesting that Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for education and staunch Swallows supporter, was at the forefront of a consortium trying to buy a club and rename it Swallows.

Two Eastern Cape sides – Chippa United and Mthatha Bucks – were mentioned as possible targets.

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