Mkhalele adamant Bafana players not yet there mentally & can’t just be pushed – ‘We will be breaking and killing their careers’

Bafana Bafana have registered back-to-back draws in this edition of the Cosafa Cup which is being held in Mzansi.

They started with a 1-1 result against Mozambique before battling to a goalless draw with Botswana in their second game.

The Helman Mkhalele-led team struggled to convince the fans that they are among the favourites in the ongoing annual tournament.

The tactician has now explained why it has been tough for him and the players to deliver as anticipated.

“We will have more off-the-field sessions because if you still remember, they only came back on [June 23], and on Wednesday, we played a tough game against Mozambique and another tough one against Botswana,” the 53-year-old said in a presser.

“They are coming from an off-season and for us to push them, we will be breaking them and also killing their careers.

“What we will do is to have more of the off-field sessions to work on the mental state and when we train, it is not going to be a hectic session.

“We need them fresh for the next game not to have them physically drained. We will try to find the balance and most of the things we will be doing will be working on their confidence because I know they are starting to doubt themselves.

“I must come in and uplift that confidence in them to go out and make sure we get maximum points,” Mkhalele concluded.

In Group A, all teams have two points meaning they have an equal chance of advancing to the next phase.

However, against Eswatini, Bafana Bafana have no option but to up their game and get a convincing win to seal a spot in the semi-final.

Despite his explanations, Mkhalele has no option but to come up with an effective tactic to help his side make it out of the group.

It will be embarrassing for the hosts to fail to get out of the group stage despite the support accorded by their fans.