Pretoria - The South African Development Team is preparing for the second match of the Orange African Nations Championship against Niger tomorrow at the Medani Stadium in Gezira State of Sudan.
Kick-off of this crucial match is at 17:30pm (16:30pm South African time).
South Africa is currently at the top of Group B after coming back from one-nil down to register a hard-fought 2-1 victory over group favorites Ghana during the opening group match played last Saturday.
South Africa's head coach Simon Ngomane says the team is hard at work ahead of the top of the table clash.
The two countries have won their opening matches and will be looking to book a spot in the second round of the prestigious tournament.
Ngomane has urged his players to put Ghana's victory behind them and concentrate on Wednesday's clash against Niger.
"The fact that we have won is an indication of the potential we have in the team. But what is important to us as the technical staff is to take this potential to the next level, where we are able to handle success and rise on the day against a team as competent as Niger.
"We know that they will come to the match with intentions of securing their place in the next round and the same applies to us. We will be looking to improve and also secure our place in the knock-out stage of the tournament, which is precisely what is going to make this a nail-biting encounter.
"It is important for us to rise to the occasion and work hard to implement team tactics, but more importantly, deal with the physical challenges that will be thrown at us by the opponents. Thinking of the result will not assist us; rather think of the process, which is something we can be in control of. We must focus on our effort and improve on our previous performance," said Ngomane.
Team captain Jacob Mokhasi said the match against Niger will be a tough one, but the team has prepared well for the challenge, adding that the players are ready and focused on their next assignment.
"This will be a very tough match. Niger has shown that they are a quality side by defeating Zimbabwe, so we definitely have a great game in prospect on Wednesday.
"The win against Ghana was obviously a big morale booster and it also showed the world that we really can compete against the best in the continent.
"We are going to continue working hard as a team to make our country proud. We would also like to thank the people back home for all the support they have given us so far and hope that they continue to support us throughout the tournament," Mokhasi said.
