admin
2013 Nations Cup finals at the Moses Mabida Stadium here today.
The match starts at 5pm.
Igesund yesterday said the first game, which ended in a disappointing goalless draw against Cape Verde, was now history and they were ready for the big test against Angola in their penultimate Group A tie.
“Obviously there were a lot of things to work on, I think first of all we had a meeting with the players and talking to them that there is no reason for them having a stage fright,” said Igesund.
The coach claimed his players “froze up” in their first match against Cape Verde islands.
“This happens, it is the first game and there is lots of pressure, there is no room for us to panic, everybody is going out there to play to the best of our ability.
“We look forward to create more chances.”
Igesund said he wanted to see a vastly-improved performance from his team, with the players keeping possession of the ball much longer.
“We need to be more patient in our build-ups and be more compact as a team,” said Igesund.
“Executing set-pieces well is also an area that modern football focuses on and we will work on it.
“We are looking to the quality of the ball, we have to work on this but we need to create the situations and the execution has got to be much better.”
Igesund conceded that pressure on the fans was weighing down on them.
“Expectations are very high, we are positive that tomorrow’s (today) game will be a totally different type of game, we expect short passes, everyone looking for the ball, wanting the ball and being confident on the ball as well as keeping possession,” saiud Igesund.
“Time has come to focus on my team, we give our opponents respect but I think at times we focus too much on our opponents and forget about our own team.
“We will have a few changes on the team though I do not want to divulge too much information.”
With few goals coming, so far in the tournament, Igesund said teams have closed shop and are now trying to play counter-attacking football.
With the game virtually sold out by last night, with indications that only 1000 tickets had been left, captain Khumalo said they were touched by the support they continue to receive from their fans.
“I am glad for the support we have received from Johannesburg then Durban,” said Khumalo.
“Obviously, going into this game it’s a good environment, we definitely need the support and I believe positive results are going to come.
“In terms of critics, people always have opinions on the game but I am not worried about spending my time thinking about those people.
“It is important that we forget about the past and make sure we do not repeat the same mistakes. We are very fortunate to have another game on Wednesday.”
Striket Katlego Mphela is expected to return to the starting XI to add firepower to the team.
Online Reporter