Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter believes striker Lebogang Mothiba will have an impact against Nigeria saying that the French based striker is ‘fired up’ for the clash.

When Bafana defeated Nigeria 2-0 in Uyo last year in the first qualifier of the group, a very different set of players took the field compared to the ones available for selection this time round when they host Nigeria at the FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Lebogang Manyama and Takelo Rantie featured in Baxter’s team last year, with Percy tau coming off the bench. With Rantie and Manyama both not in the squad it will be up to Mothiba and Tau to lead the line.

Mothiba has been on fire this season in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg, scoring seven goals and providing one assist, and will be hoping to carry that form into the national team.

Speaking to the media in the build up to clash Baxter was asked about the unknown factor Mothiba will pose against the Super Eagles.

‘He will be known after the 90 minutes because he is so fired up,’ responded the former Kaizer Chiefs coach.

‘He nearly broke S’Fiso Hlanti in two [in the training game on Wednesday], the ball was played into his chest and he just nearly broke him in two, leaving him in a pile on the ground as he ran off with the ball.

‘So, I’m sure with Lebo it is going to be trying to calm him down before we go out and not let him go out and charge out like a raging bull,’ concluded Baxter.

Photo: Sydney Mahlangu /BackpagePix