Wayde Jooste says that Bafana Bafana unknown quantity for the TotalEnergies Africa Nations Championship 2024 could be a blessing in disguise.
South Africa named over 12 unattached players and less known players on the 25-man squad for the tournament leaving out their A team despite being legible to play in the competition.
“It’s a very good thing that we are an unknown quantity because they won’t know what to expect from us,” said Jooste. “It will count in our favour and give us an edge in the group stages,” he added.
Bafana Bafana take on Algeria in their first group C game at Mandela National stadium, Namboole and Jooste wants a fast start.
With Algeria already having played their first match, Jooste said the Bafana technical team used the opportunity to do thorough analysis of their opponents, describing them as a “very direct” and deserving team.
“They (Algeria) deserve to be here. They’re a very good team, but we’ve done our analysis and most of the guys have seen them in action,” he stated.
“In any tournament format, you want to start well. You don’t want to be playing catch-up and relying on other results. If we pick up three points in the first game, it takes a load off our shoulders and gives us the best chance of progressing.”
South Africa are grouped with Algeria, Uganda, Niger and Guinea in what promises to be a fiercely contested Group C.