Bafana raring to go in crucial Zimbabwe AFCON clash, says Nkosinathi Sibisi

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Bafana ready for crucial Zim AFCON tie

Photo: Gallo Images

Bafana Bafana defender Nkosinathi Sibisi says his team is raring to go ahead of their must-win clash against Zimbabwe in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday (18h00).

South Africa need a win or a draw to seal their progression to the knockout stages of the continental showpiece as they sit second with three points from two matches in Group B.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe will be gunning for nothing but a win in a bid to boost their qualification hopes. Meanwhile, Angola, who are level on one point with the Warriors will face Egypt on the same day.

With the crucial encounter looming, Sibisi insists Bafana need no extra motivation when facing Zimbabwe, but admits securing a favorable result won't be a walk in the park, citing the rivalry and geographical factors.

“I think when it comes to the motivation side we are always motivated to play against Zimbabwe. I think as the coach has mentioned as well, we have played them a couple of times in the [FIFA World Cup] qualifiers,” said the 30-year-old stalwart.

"So, for us going into tomorrow's game we know it's not going to be easy, especially between the rivalry, you know we are neighbors.

"I think we had the upper hand over them in the qualifiers, so going to tomorrow's game it won't be easy but I think if we bring our A-game and focus on the game at hand, we will definitely make it through.

Having claimed the Bronze medal in the previous edition in Ivory Coast, Hugo Broos' men will be desperate to go all the way and replicate the 1996 squad under Coach Clive Barker.