AFCON 2019: Bafana Bafana's Sibusiso Vilakazi on facing Egypt in front of 75 000 fans at Cairo International Stadium
Bafana Bafana playmaker Sibusiso Vilakazi has opened up about the prospect of facing AFCON 2019 hosts Egypt at the Cairo International stadium in front of 75 000 fans tonight. Vilakazi, 29, featured in all three Group D games as South Africa progressed to the last-16 after several results went their way for a best third-placed finish. And after receiving an unlikely lifeline, a fixture against the record seven-time champions of Africa is something the Mamelodi Sundowns ace isn't daunted by. Describing the tie as 'exciting' the 32-time capped midfielder explained what it means to the squad and those vying for a place in the starting line-up. "We're playing Egypt [in the last-16], a game where we need to be fearless in a game all of us want to play in, in a game which all of us want to compete in as professional footballers," he told KickOff. "We just have to be excited about it and look forward to it, who wouldn't want to be in the XI against that crowd [Cairo International Stadium] – these are the moments we want as footballers." On the criticism from supporters for the lack of attacking intent during the first three games of the tournament, Vila' emphasised the public opinion can sway very quickly. "I wish I could answer that [opinion on the displays] when the tournament has ended because we're still in it, the opinion can change," he explained. "It could change into a more positive comment maybe by the end of AFCON 2019." Stuart Baxter's side face off against the Pharaohs for a place in the quarter-finals at 21:00 tonight at their iconic national stadium.