‘Coach Mashaba has presented an opportunity to the new players,’ says Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane about Bafana Bafana.

‘They grabbed their opportunity with both hands in their first game against Sudan.’ Letsholonyane spoke ahead of tonight’s mouth watering 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifier between South Africa and Nigeria in Cape Town.

Letsholonyane was on the losing side in August 2013 during the Nelson Mandela Challenge, with Bafana Bafana going down 0-2 to the Super Eagles. The only time Bafana Bafana triumphed against Nigeria was a 2–1 win in the Nelson Mandela Challenge played at Johannesburg’s Ellis Park Stadium in 2004 when current Chiefs mentor Stuart Baxter was South Africa’s coach.

‘I would say, it has been difficult playing against Nigeria in the past,’ continues Letsholonyane, who is two matches short of 50 Bafana caps.

‘We only managed to beat them once and that was a few years ago. So I think that it won’t be an easy one tonight, but Bafana can do it. I predict a 2–1 win for us (Bafana Bafana).’

Reneilwe, you have started the season like a house on fire?

‘It’s good to be doing well thus far. However, as I always say, all the Glory to God. He is the One who gives me strength. But I also have to thank my teammates and Chiefs’ technical team for the support they always give me. Let’s not forget my family and the Kaizer Chiefs family as a whole – our supporters are great!’

‘This FIFA break gave us an opportunity to recharge and prepare again for the upcoming games.’

Have you been following Bafana Bafana since Coach Mashaba took over a week ago?

‘I’ve been reading the newspapers at every chance I get. I also watched the game against Sudan last Friday.’

‘The win against Sudan was a good moral booster for our guys, plus it was a first game under coach Mashaba.’

‘I would like to congratulate the squad for the win away in Sudan. I trust that the victory in Sudan will boost their confidence. As for Nigeria losing their opener at home against Congo - it's a bad start, but that doesn't mean it's going to be an easy one for Bafana Bafana.’

Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana coach Ephraim ‘ Shakes’ Mashaba has named a strong starting line-up for today’s (Wednesday) Orange CAF AFCON qualifier against African champions Nigeria at Cape Town Stadium (kickoff at 20:00 hours).

Two Glamour Boys are included in the starting line up for tonight’s match.

Starting line-up: Senzo Meyiwa, Thulane Hlatshwayo, Thabo Matlaba, Eric Mathoho, Anele Ngcongca, Dean Furman, Andile Jali, Mandla Masango, Bongane Ndulula, Oupa Manyisa, Sibusiso Vilakazi

Subs: Darren Keet, Sibusiso Khumalo, Rivaldo Coetzee, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Tokelo Rantie, Keagan Dolly, Thema Zwane

SA v Nigeria – previous meetings?

10/10/1992 – World Cup qualifier – Nigeria 4-0 South Africa?


16/01/1993 – World Cup qualifier – South Africa 0-0 Nigeria


10/02/2000 – African Cup of Nations – South Africa 0-2 Nigeria?


31/01/2004 – African Cup of Nations – Nigeria 4-0 South Africa?


17/11/2004 – Nelson Mandela Challenge – South Africa 2-1 Nigeria?


01/06/2008 – World Cup/AFCON qualifier – Nigeria 2-0 South Africa


06/09/2008 – World Cup/AFCON qualifier – South Africa 0-1 Nigeria


14/08/2013 – Nelson Mandela Challenge – South Africa 0-2 Nigeria


19/01/2014 – African Nations Championship – South Africa 1-3 Nigeria