Bafana Bafana defender Thami Mkhize is expecting no easy games in their mission to get to 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
South Africa will face Ghana, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia in a tough Group G when the second round of Caf qualification kicks off in October.
2022 FIFA World Cup African qualifier Groups: pic.twitter.com/sMoEKygiuR
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 21, 2020
And Mkhize warns that they have to be on top of the game for each encounter if they want to top the pool and advance to the final playoff round between the 10 group winners.
He tells the Daily Voice: “We know that there are not going to be easy games in a World Cup qualification campaign we know we need to be on our toes.”
Facing familiar foes Ghana, who Bafana lost 2-0 to in their Afcon 2021 qualifiers last November, Mkhize says they can compete with the Black Stars.
He explains: “They are one of the big boys on the continent.
2022 FIFA World Cup Draw:
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 21, 2020
Group G:
Ghana
South Africa
Zimbabwe
Ethiopia
“But the last time out was not a true reflection of the game in Cape Coast. They hit us on the counter.
“We are used to playing these big games and we will prepare well for them.”
For the 31-year-old rightback from Cato Ridge in rural KZN, who has made 11 appearances for the national team since making his debut in 2017, it will be the pinnacle of his career to compete at the World Cup.
He adds: “It will be a dream come true.
“I was fortunate enough to play at Afcon in Egypt last year and the World Cup will be even better.
“It would be amazing for us to go all the way to Qatar and compete with the best in the world.”