“In this situation you need a big heart,” Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Doctor Khumalo says before Bafana Bafana’s game against Ghana tonight. Khumalo is a member of the ‘Class of 96’, the South African team that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana have to win their final Group C encounter against Ghana to stand a chance of proceeding to the knockout stage of the 2015 Afcon.

“It is a self-motivating situation, in terms of putting yourself in a positive mind-set,” Khumalo refers to the mood in the camp in this kind of situation. “It is a must win. A do or die and only a big heart will help the players to win the match.”

Ghana are lying third in the group equal on 3-points with the second placed Algeria, while group leader Senegal has four points. “The players should not feel under pressure,” continues Khumalo. “The players should have dealt with any pressure-issues before even travelling to Equatorial Guinea.”

Nicknamed '16 Valve', Khumalo scored South Africa's first goal after being readmitted to the international fold in a 1-0 victory against Cameroon in 1992.

“Forget about the opponents. Look at your strengths, don’t look at the team sheet of the opponent,” suggests Khumalo. “As a soldier you have to go on the pitch and fight for your country. Forget about the big names, be it the country or the players you are facing.”

All the five Kaizer Chiefs players selected for the tournaments appear on the team sheet for this all-important clash tonight. Brilliant Khuzwayo will be between the poles. Erick Mathoho retains his position, while Mandla Masango will add to the attacking flair in the line-up, as the Amakhosi midfielder will also start.

The experienced duo of Bernard Parker and Reneilwe Letsholonyane will be on the bench.

The Group C puzzle will see Senegal taking on Algeria in the other game. Both matches will kick-off at 20:00 SA-time.

Bafana XI: Khuzwayo, Ngcongca, Matlaba, Coetzee, Mathoho, Furman, Jali, Masango, Phala, Rantie, Ndulula.

Subs: Keet, Mabokgwane, Gcaba, Sangweni, Zwane, Letsholonyane, Manyisa, Zungu, Parker, Nhlapo, Vilakazi.