‘Stay Humble or Go Home’: Journalist Warns CHAN Team Against Complacency in Group C

• Bafana Bafana are level on points with Algeria in a tight CHAN Group C, chasing a quarterfinal berth
• Friday’s clash with Niger could make or break their campaign ahead of a decisive Uganda showdown
• Briefly News had an exclusive interview with football pundit Brighton Bafana, who warned the team against complacency

In an exclusive sit-down with Briefly News, respected football pundit Brighton Bafana has urged Molefi Ntseki’s men to remain grounded as they chase a quarterfinal spot at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

“They’ve started well, no doubt, a draw against Algeria and that big win over Guinea was impressive,” Brighton began.

“But tournaments like CHAN can turn on a single mistake. Group C is wide open, and that’s the danger. If Bafana start believing they’re already favourites, they could be in trouble.”

Uganda lead the group on six points, with Algeria and South Africa level on four after two matches. Niger, bottom of the log, still have mathematical hope, and Brighton believes that makes Friday’s clash with them in Kampala a potential banana skin.

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“This is a must-win, no two ways about it,” he stressed.

“If they beat Niger, they go into the Uganda game with a cushion. If they don’t, they’ll be under huge pressure in front of the host nation’s crowd. And we know how unforgiving that can be.”

For Brighton, this CHAN campaign is also about more than just results. With many of Ntseki’s squad members unattached, he says the tournament is “a shop window” for players to earn lifelines in the PSL or abroad.

“Thabiso Kutumela has been outstanding, two goals in two games. The likes of Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Keagan Dolly, and Menzi Masuku are proving they still belong at the top level. The longer they stay in Uganda, the more scouts will watch them. That’s real motivation.”

But despite the positives, Brighton returned to his main warning:

“They’re on the right track, yes. But one slip and they could be on a plane home. This group doesn’t forgive complacency. They need to stay humble, fight for every ball, and finish the job before thinking about the knockout rounds.”

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Bafana face Niger at Mandela National Stadium on Friday at 7 pm, knowing victory could all but book their place in the last eight.

They drew their first game against Algeria 1-1. Briefly News previously reported that Bafana Bafana’s CHAN squad may be full of surprises, but football pundit Mandla Biyela believes they are the favourites to lift the trophy.

Benni McCarthy gets emotional after the death of his former teammate

Briefly News previously reported that Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy was brought to tears while paying tribute to his former FC Porto captain and teammate, Jorge Costa, who passed away on Tuesday due to cardiac arrest.

The two were part of FC Porto’s legendary UEFA Champions League-winning squad of 2004. McCarthy, visibly emotional.

Source: Briefly News