Bafana Bafana hero Lebogang Phiri is focused on building on his match-winning performance in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Sudan.
Phiri’s strike just before half time kickstarted South Africa’s Afcon 2021 qualification campaign after their opening Group C loss to Ghana on Thursday.
It was the 25-year-old’s second international goal in only his eighth appearance for the national team.
And with four more games ahead on the road to Cameroon, the France-based midfielder reckons it’s a huge lift to his confidence.
ON A MISSION: Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki and captain Thulani Hlatshwayo. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.
The former Wits star says: “I’ve been waiting for my chance and fortunately I got the goal that got us the win. For me it’s just something to build on.
“Each performance is of importance in the national team because we get four or five call-ups a year and we only get that time as team. With more games coming up, it’s a booster for me."
Phiri’s influence was cut short on the day by a second-half injury after creating a number of chances for his teammates.
And what’s more impressive is that he usually plays a defensive role for Ligue 1 club Guincamp.
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He adds: “It’s been a while since I’ve played such an offensive role. At my club I play as a defensive No.6
“The coach wanted to add numbers in attack, so I tried to get forward. And did my defensive work too.
“We created so many chances and we made one count."