Guardian

KAIZER Chiefs and Bafana Bafana midfielder, Yeye Letsholonyane, believes the foundation is set for bright future heading into the World Cup qualifiers.

The host nation came crashing out of the Africa Cup of Nations after a devastating 3-1 penalty shootout loss to an experienced Malian side.

The score ended 1-1 after 120 minutes in which Letsholonyane was outstanding, whether he had the ball at his feet or flying into tackles.

“Personally I am looking forward to the (World Cup) qualifiers. We have done really well as a team,” Letsholonyane told MTNFootball after the game.

“Obviously it (AFCON 2013) is the first tournament we are playing together as a team, and I think it’s a good foundation. There are many young players in this squad so I think the future is bright for South Africa.

At 30 years of age, Letsholonyane was one of just two over 30s in Gordon Igesund’s 23-man squad and he is looking forward to the future.

Asked about two of his midfield teammates in particular, Dean Furman and May Mahlangu, Letsholonyane was full of praise.

“They are good players plus they are young with time on their side and they are talented, so I am looking forward to playing with them more.

“But it’s still the coach’s decision if they stay, or any other player for that matter, in the team in the future.”