“The camp has been good thus far, and preparations have been going well,” Kaizer Chiefs midfield kingpin Reneilwe ‘Yeye’ Letsholonyane assures. The in-form Bafana Bafana engages Algeria, the highest African country on the Fifa ranking, in their opening game at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night (kick-off at 21:00, South African time).

“We played good friendlies so far, against Zambia, Cameroon and Mali,” continues Letsholonyane. “It was a good test in preparing the team for the tournament. We managed to get good results. But what's important is that the Technical Team had the opportunity to use different combinations to prepare for the Afcon.”

“Everyone is happy and working hard at training,” he refers to the mood in the camp. “Personally, I’m in a good condition. I have been working hard, even though I will miss the first match due to suspension.” ‘Yeye’ received his marching orders in South Africa’s last qualifier against Nigeria. “When I get an opportunity to play in the other matches, I will be ready.”

About Algeria, the Amakhosi midfielder says: “They are an excellent team, good technically and tactically. They have players who play in top European leagues.”

Bafana Bafana is in the so-called Group of Death (Group C) with Algeria, Ghana and Senegal. “We have worked hard and plan to qualify for the knockout stage,” reacts Letsholonyane. “We are preparing for all the teams in our group. We take them all seriously and we respect them as big football nations. We are ready to compete as we have a good team that's willing to learn and work hard.”

“As Bafana Bafana, we are here to compete and make our country proud,” concludes ‘Yeye’. “We will do our best.”

Kaizer Chiefs have five players in the Bafana Bafana squad. Goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo (3 caps), defender Erick Mathoho (17 caps), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (52 caps, 2 goals), Mandla Masango (10 caps, 1 goal) and Bernard Parker (70 caps, 23 goals). Letsholonyane and Mathoho will not feature in the opener due to suspensions.

Khuzwayo, Masanago and Parker will all start on the bench.

Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has announced the following starting XI for tonight’s match against Algeria in Mongomo, Equatorial Guinea.

Bafana XI: Keet, Ngcongca, Matlaba, Hlatshwayo, Coetzee, Furman, Jali, Manyisa, Phala, Vilakazi, Rantie.

Subs: Mabokgwane, Khuzwayo, Gcaba, Sangweni, Zwane, Masango, Zungu, Parker, Nhlapho, Ndulula.

Head to head

-Algeria have met South Africa three times in all competitions.

-The Desert Foxes are yet to beat Bafana Bafana.

-South Africa have won one and drawn two of their encounters against Algeria.

-The last meeting between these two sides came in January 2013. It ended in a goalless draw.