Kekana praises Campbell and Dithejane for decisive roles in Bafana Bafana win

Hlompho Kekana has praised Shandre Campbell and Puso Dithejane for the quality and determination they showed in creating Bafana Bafana’s 1-0 winning goal against Egypt.

Dithejane scored his first international goal on his senior debut, having previously made six appearances in the COSAFA Cup. The Chicago Fire winger was introduced to international football after half-time, with Campbell also making his debut when he came on at the interval.

Campbell provided the assist for Dithejane, prompting strong praise from former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Kekana after the match.

Speaking on SABC3, Kekana highlighted Campbell’s awareness before receiving the ball and Dithejane’s aggressive movement into the space behind Egypt’s defence.

“What we should marvel is the positive play by this two boys,” he said.

Kekana began by explaining how Poggenpoel’s forward pass gave Campbell the opportunity to assess his options before receiving possession.

“Poggenpoel to look forward, Shandre already look at this [points at screen], Shandre looks forward, already he scans, he knows his feet, he knows where he’s gonna take the ball,” Kekana said.

He then turned his attention to Dithejane’s movement, noting how the attacker started his run from inside his own half and demanded the pass.

“With the right pace of the ball from Poggenpoel, look at how he receives – already look at Puso. Puso is coming from our half and already says you’re gonna pass to me whether you like it or not,” he added.

For Kekana, that willingness to run beyond the final defensive line was an example of the aggression required from attacking players.

“That’s the aggression we talk about when we speak about the attackers, you’re forcing the ball the player on the ball to give you this kind of ball and you’ll never get it if you’re not putting your hand break down,” he said.

“You have to sprint, you have to make sure that you’re aggressive to get the ball behind the last line. He [Puso] is quick, he is aggressive and he’s got a dribble, he’s a South African player.”

Kekana also reserved particular praise for the pass Campbell produced to set up the goal, pointing to its accuracy, technique and pace.

“With that ball from Shandre, with the execution of the ball, the good technique, the weight of the ball. I can just marvel that because used to I love that Campbell ball.”