Bafana Bafana midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo says the national team’s chances of success at the Africa Cup of Nations can be determined by their preparations.
Mokotjo is a part of the preliminary 30-man squad currently preparing for the competition in Egypt, and is expected to be named in the final 23 for coach Stuart Baxter’s side.
The Brentford playmaker was an integral part of Baxter’s team which qualified for the continental showpiece.
Bafana are in a tough Group D alongside Morocco, Ivory Coast and Namibia. Their first match is on 24 June against the Ivorians.
He told reporters: “For now we’re preparing, and it’s intense, and everyone knows that they have a shot of making it into the squad, so nobody is taking it easy or thinking that they deserve a spot.
“It’s a big tournament, so I think right now Bafana Bafana needs players that are tuned in to what the coach wants and are the level that is required at the tournament.
“It’s a new generation, and for some of us it might be our last time at the tournament. If we’re undermined, then that will probably be to our advantage, because we know how well we can play if we do what’s required.
“Every camp is different, every camp is different. It’s a major tournament, and the goal is just to get myself in the team, and then, if I do, then help the country go as far as possible. This is where it starts, the preparations, being together at the hotel, so we have a good situation here.”