Ghana Goalkeeper Richard Ofori has reserved his judgement on whether new Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki can make a difference and inspire South Africa to greater heights.
The two countries are preparing to meet in the opening match of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in the Cape Coast on Thursday.
It is a tough start to the campaign for the visitors against one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses. The match will also mark Ntseki’s competitive debut after he guided Bafana to a friendly win over Mali in October.
Ofori is waiting to see what difference he can make for a side that did not show too much of progress during Stuart Baxter’s tenure.
South Africa are currently ranked 13th in Africa and Ntseki, who was appointed back in August, will be hoping to improve that position, which also places them 72nd on the global table.
The Black Stars, meanwhile, are 21 places better off in 51st and seventh on the continent. Despite their position and the recent decline by Bafana, Ofori admits they can never be discounted.
South Africa’s biggest weapon in recent matches has been Club Brugges striker, Percy Tau. The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker has been in good form for both club and country in 2019.
He also recently raised eyebrows for his performances in the European Champions League, where he provided an assist during a shock 2-2 draw away at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
Ofori admits that Tau will have to be guarded, but the giant Maritzburg United goalkeeper felt Ghana had the players to cope with him.
– Report by Thahir Asmal
