South Sudan star Peter Chol has suggested that his side will still bring the fight to Bafana Bafana, despite bringing a weakened side to the country.
With Bafana Bafana eyeing a first-place finish in Group K of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Bright Stars are determined to make their mark despite having already been eliminated from contention.
The two teams face off in what promises to be an intriguing encounter, as South Africa looks to end their campaign on a high.
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While Hugo Broos' charges are firm favourites to claim victory, South Sudan will not back down, according to midfielder Peter Chol.
Speaking through a translator during a pre-match press conference, Chol highlighted the team's determination to give their all, even against the odds.
"He knows that the match is going to be tough tomorrow for them, but still, they have that feeling that they will give their best," the translator conveyed.
The Bright Stars seemed to have placed their focus on nurturing home-grown talent, a strategy Chol admitted comes with limitations.
He acknowledged that the team lacks the experience of having players competing in major European leagues but highlighted the strides made by their local squad.
The qualifying campaign, he said, has proven that relying solely on domestic players has still allowed the team to surpass expectations compared to previous years.
Looking ahead, Chol expressed optimism about the team's potential. He believes that with time and effort, South Sudan will see greater progress and more consistent performances in future competitions.
Despite missing out on qualification for next year's AFCON in Morocco, Chol remains positive about the national team's trajectory.
The lessons learned during this campaign will serve as a stepping stone for further development.
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For South Africa, the stakes are clear. A victory will not only solidify their position at the summit of Group K but also send a strong message ahead of the tournament in Morocco.
By Junaid Benjamin
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