A third-place playoff match in any major competition is often referred to as the game no one wants to play, but there's a lot at stake with Bafana Bafana looking to finish the tournament with a medal they can cherish.
The disappointment of not reaching the final probably still stings for Bafana Bafana, after putting on a gallant fight through the competition to defy the odds in Ivory Coast. They have to put that behind them and focus on securing a third spot finish to give themselves something to smile about before making the return to South Africa.
The big question is if Hugo Broos will make major changes to his starting line-up for the third-place clash against DR Congo, considering there is an opportunity to finish the competition with a medal in hand.
Former Bafana defender Matthew Boot feels that this is a good opportunity for the coach to give other players in the team a chance to play and make an impression.
"Obviously it's a good occasion for the other players in the squad to get a chance to play. It will be interesting to see how many changes he will make. But I should imagine that a goalkeeper like Veli Mothwa, who has been fantastic in the dressing room and off the field, deserves a start. And, of course, the likes of (Nyiko) Mobbie, Xulu, Sibisi and Mashego should be in with a shout," Booth said to the Siya crew.
Booth feels Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena will have his fingers crossed to have some of his players rested for the third-place playoff, before their return for domestic action. A majority of the Sundowns players have been playing regularly in the competition and are likely to take a bit of a break when they get back to the country, as Premiership football resumes.
"Rulani Mokwena must be hoping that he (Broos) makes a raft of changes, just to give the Sundowns players in particular a break. They've played a lot of football. That's a possibility. But, at the same time, it's important that he lays down the law in regard to the importance of the game. Although it's a third-place play off, there is a lot of pride at stake and of course it would be fantastic for the team to be able to claim a bronze after all their hard work. It's a difficult balancing act, but common sense will hopefully prevail and he gives the players who haven't had a chance to play game time."
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