Uganda boss Paul Put believes his team is ready to take the fight to Bafana Bafana when the two sides clash in a 2025 Africa Cup of Nation qualifier on Friday.
Both nations were drawn in Group K, alongside South Sudan and Congo, as they battle to secure a place at the next continental tournament set to be hosted in Morocco next year.
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Matchday one of the qualification round is set to take place this weekend, with the Cranes scheduled to kick things off against South Africa on Friday evening at 18:00 (SA time).
Put was appointed to his current role in November last year, and has considerable experience at the competition, having competed in it with his former sides Guinea and Burkina Faso, leading the latter to the semi-finals in 2013.
Speaking to his players ahead of their upcoming qualifiers against Bafana and Congo, the Belgian tactician expressed a determination to reach another edition of the continental tournament with his current side.
"I have been to five AFCON finals and I want to add to that number with this team," Put said, per Africa Top Sport.
"You are a group of young and undoubtedly very talented players.
"You have what it takes to qualify, but you need to work hard for it because it will not be given to you just like that.
"You will have to fight for the right to be in Morocco next year, and the fight starts this Friday against South Africa.
"I love what I am seeing so far; the energy, teamwork and the positive spirit. These will be very crucial in this fight."
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Uganda players are believed to have started to arrive in Johannesburg on Saturday already as the side looks to adjust to Mzansi's conditions ahead of the all-important tie.