Samukele Cabini demonstrated excellent play for Bafana Bafana, scoring the decisive goal in the match against Guinea. Following this, he received advice from teammate Mbekezeli Mbokazi: 'Qina, ndoda!' (Get stronger, man), showing strong performance during the team's 2-1 victory on Saturday afternoon.
Cabini came on as a substitute for Aubrey Modibe, who was struggling with an injury, and provided strong play on the left flank, scoring the winning goal as Bafana started their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at home with a high start. His goal was executed decisively and accurately after he managed to find space, catch a pass, and powerfully strike a low shot past goalkeeper Soumaila Silla.
Before the goal, Cabini communicated with Pitso Mosimane on the field line. However, Mosimane, who managed his first game in the second half, declined to claim credit for the left-back's influence. He stated: 'I don't take credit for things like that because we coaches sometimes want to sound smart when a goal is scored,' adding that it was a conversation with the player, and he could not disclose details.
Cabini's impressive appearance for Bafana was his first since the World Cup qualifier against Nigeria late last year. In that game, he appeared nervous, losing possession and making clumsy tackles, which prompted defender Mbokazi to urge him to be more resilient against the massive and skilled Nigerians.
Mosimane noted that Cabini and Favaz Basadien could compensate for Aubrey Modibe's absence in the next two matches against Eritrea on Wednesday and Egypt on Sunday, October 4th, explaining why the first would be a replacement for Modibe. 'We have an overload of full-backs,' said Mosimane. 'Basadien is also available, but Cabini is playing at a good level. He needs a chance. Cabini is a big, strong guy. He is strong, and you can see that the Guinean players are also big and strong.'
After a difficult start to the game, where the team struggled against Aliou Baldé in the first half, Kamogelo Selebele managed to redeem himself by winning the Man of the Match award. Mosimane was pleased with Selebele's efforts. 'I was worried about Kamogelo Selebele, who is shorter, in corner kicks. But it was even. The players marking him were not very tall. He has the speed to challenge and win duels,' commented Mosimane.
He continued: 'In the first half, he had an opponent because this guy had many fouls. But he dealt with him and became Man of the Match. That is incredible. He played well. I think it shows that he is playing here and accustomed to international football.'
