Striker Percy Tau has responded to criticism of the national team as Bafana Bafana look to win first AFCON title since 1996.
South Africa is set to kick off the AFCON title pursuit with a crunching encounter against Mali on Tuesday evening. Bafana has only ever won the continental title once, back in 1996. They were finalists in 1998 and finished third in 2000.
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Since then, Bafana has gradually dropped to even failing to qualify for the last edition in 2021, prompting criticism of the side's showing from local supporters and the football world at large.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Monday ahead of Bafana's match against Mali, Tau defended his team and said that there were positives to come for Bafana.
"People will always have perceptions of our national team, but we've tried our best over the years, we will still try our best and grow as a country," Tau said.
"I don't think we've had so much success as a country, we only won the AFCON once, so you can't place us that far. We're still on our way up, and we want to do better in these competitions.
"We believe this is the moment to grow as a country and do something special here."
Dropping Episode 2 of 'Heita Daa' as Veli Mothwa ventures into the gym with the team under the watchful eye of 'SC' ?? Coach Kopano Melesi. #AFCON2023 #TotalEnergiesAFCON #BafanaPride pic.twitter.com/U9gpLg6b6b
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 16, 2024
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"I think we've prepared well," Tau added.
"Everyone is looking forward to the tournament and our first game and we want to start well."
South Africa's match against Mali will is scheduled to kick-off at 22:00 (SA time).
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