Ex-South Africa star Edward Motale has told Bafana Bafana players not to show any respect to Ghana and the other teams in the ‘Group of Death’ to be able to advance from the group to reach the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

The former Orlando Pirates player says Bafana Bafana must adopt a similar approach that helped them to defeat Nigeria in the qualifiers to reach the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

The ex-defender was reacting to the draw that was held in Equatorial Guinea last night, where Bafana were drawn in Group C against Ghana, Senegal and Algeria. Known as ‘Magents’ in his playing days, the 1996 Afcon winner says that all the teams in the group are powerhouses in the continent. “Yes, this is a tough draw for us, but it’s also a test for our football and character as these teams are the biggest in Africa,” Motale says.

“I think the only solution is to continue where the boys left off in the qualifiers … show no respect just like they did to Nigeria.

“They must not worry too much about these teams because they can beat them; they have a great coach in Shakes Mashaba and the nation is fully behind them. “The most important thing to do is to focus on their abilities and play their football – that way we can progress through.”

The 1995 CAF Champions League winner with Orlando Pirates adds that assembling for camp as early as possible could be an advantage.

“It will be wise for the players to go to camp as early as possible and allow the players to rest and get to know each other. Some of the players could be tired with their busy schedules at club level and a one-week break or two could do better.

“Other than that, I wish them all the best as they’ve really made the nation proud – I think they can cause an upset in Equatorial Guinea.”

The tournament gets underway on January 17 until February 8.