Bafana Bafana make the long trip to north-west Africa to face Corentins Martins’ team in the capital city Nouakchott in a 2017 Afcon Group M qualifier from which Shakes Mashaba knows he needs all the points.
“I have settled quite well because I am used to most of the guys in the squad because I have played with some of them before. It has been a good reception for me and I have settled very well,” says Makola, who is looking forward to making a bold statement upon his introduction to the big stage aided by his experience of playing in Africa with Pirates.
The 29-year-old, who is hoping to make his Bafana debut, has already had a taste of the rigours of Africa with Bucs, who are through to this year’s CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals.
“Obviously my experience with Pirates will play a vital role for me. I think I am used to the conditions in Africa now so I hope that it comes in very handy for me,” he says while admitting he knows nothing about the national team nicknamed Les Mourabitones.
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Mauritania, who have six France-based players in their squad, will look up to former French Under-21 midfielder Diallo Guideleye and Adama Ba, who plays for Auxerre in France.
They lost their opening group match 0-1 to Cameroon while Bafana were held to a draw by Gambia.
“I know nothing about them honestly but I know that they are a better side now compared to the past few years. They recently lost 1-0 to Cameroon but if you look at their history it shows that they used to be beaten 7-0 and what not, so I think they have improved,” adds Makola.
“I don’t think there is any pressure [on Bafana]. If you go to a game having pressure then you are bound to make mistakes. We will go there and approach the game as per normal but we know we need the three points so we will do our best to get the three points.”