Andre Arendse sees ’96 spirit in current Bafana squad

South Africa open their Group B campaign against Angola, before facing Egypt and Zimbabwe at the continental showpiece.

READ: Manqoba Mngqithi identifies Orlando Pirates’ key weapon

Arendse, who was between the posts when Bafana lifted the trophy nearly three decades ago, explained why he has faith in Hugo Broos’ charges.

"Not to say I haven't supported them in the past, but I look at the brand of football that these guys are playing - it is reminiscent of what we did in 1996. The fact that they spent so much time together over various camps, they gotten themselves closer. If you ask me what the dream is - how wonderful it would be, between now and January next year, we celebrate 30 years of our last achievement as a class of '96 with another nation's cup winners medal.

"I am looking forward to being a supporter, can't we wait to see these guys play. They have proven that they are capable, I believe the work that Hugo Broos and his technical staff are doing can send these guys straight to the podium," said Arendse.

The 58-year-old added that the late coach Clive Barker built a squad filled with depth – and so has Broos this time around.

 "If I were to compare the '96 squad to the current squad. The criteria was that Clive Barker wanted to find two players in every position that could challenge for that starting XI place. And I believe this current squad is not far from having that luxury. Isn't it written in the stars, almost the same group as 1996 - I think we can do it," added Arendse.

Arendse is convinced the camaraderie in the team is also a big plus.

"I think they are almost halfway there. I see a massive togetherness, that is the little component that plays a big role in any success that the team wants to achieve. There are some other things as well in terms of how they get looked after, what we need to remember with the '96 squad we were hosting and these guys are traveling - they will need the support," he expressed.

Having worked with captain Ronwen Williams at club level, Arendse says the Bafana goalie has led by example – but everyone needs to pitch in.