Hlatshwayo urges South Africa to rally behind Bafana Bafana against Libya

This is perhaps the most talked about fixture this week in South Africa, and Hlatshwayo says that the pressure that goes with the match is something they cannot afford to focus on.

Bafana Bafana need a just one point to qualify for the 2019 AFCON, which will be held in Egypt in June.

“We are fully aware of what this match means to the players, the entire travelling delegation, the Association, the fans and the whole country, and we believe we have what it takes to ensure that we get the needed result, however, we urge all South Africans to rally behind the team this weekend for this all-important game,” said Hlatshwayo.

“We all know that Bafana Bafana is a team that can unite the nation and bring some positivity around the country – and that is why we need positive energies back home for us to do well against Libya.”

The South Africans have settled in nicely and are training in Tunis, Tunisia before heading out to Sfax, where the match will be played.

Hlatshwayo is confident that they have the players to see them over the line and book their place in Egypt.

“Everyone is highly motivated in the camp and we know that we have a good chance of winning this encounter.

"We have conceded only one goal in five matches and haven’t lost a game in the qualifiers – which is an indication that we are doing something right, we just need to finish off what we started,” added Hlatshwayo.

“We have to maintain our good form in defense, score the needed goals so they don’t even get a chance of coming back into the qualifiers – and, most importantly, stay focused the entire 90 minutes plus.

"The good thing is that qualification is in our hands, they need to win to overtake us, we have come too far to let it slip, hence the support from South Africans will be key.

This last 2019 AFCON Group E Qualifier will kickoff at 19h00 SA time.