Rangers defender Olwethu Makhanya will be hoping to continue his impressive international run when South Africa take on Egypt, with Bafana Bafana arriving at the clash in confident mood.
Makhanya has emerged as an increasingly important figure for South Africa during the current international window, collecting just his second senior cap in the 2-1 victory over Guinea.
He has also become a major fan favourite at Ibrox, showing solid defensive performances consistantly since his summer arrival from Philadelphia Union.
The Rangers centre-back was handed the opportunity to start against a Guinea side containing Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy and impressed as South Africa secured another important result.
Makhanya praised by South Africa boss
South Africa boss Pitso Mosimane was particularly pleased with the performance of Makhanya, who partnered Ime Okon in defence.
“Olwethu Makhanya was very good, along with Kamogelo Sebelebele and Okon,” Mosimane said.
“These are guys who were a part of the World Cup but did not play and we have to give them a chance to show themselves.
“Olwethu was up against a striker from Borussia Dortmund who is full of quality, and he handled him very well.
“So, I was delighted at the win against a very good team and we now have players coming through who will be very important to this team.”
That represents another significant step forward for Makhanya, who has been building his experience at international level after making his debut for South Africa.
Defensive partnership forming
The Rangers defender has also formed a partnership with Okon during the camp, with the pair featuring together in recent matches, including the emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea.
Okon believes the progress being made across the South African setup is a reflection of the work being done at academy level.
“The academies have been doing well over the past few years, bringing players into the setup,” Okon said.
“I think it's just a true reflection of South African football at the moment and we can only go up from here.”
South Africa have also been boosted by their progress in the FIFA rankings, breaking back into the world's top 50 for the first time in more than a decade.
For Makhanya and his teammates, however, the immediate focus is on testing themselves against one of Africa's biggest footballing nations.
“Egypt is one of the biggest teams in Africa,” Okon said.
“As a player, you always want to play the best teams. You always want to challenge yourself.
“I think the feeling within the team is very excited to play against them and test ourselves also, to show them basically what we are about.”
That confidence could be important against an Egypt side who head into the fixture with considerable attention surrounding their camp.
Egypt camp engulfed by controversy
Egypt's preparations have been overshadowed by reports of tension within the national team, with claims emerging concerning Mohamed Salah and members of the coaching staff.
According to a report from Goal, Egyptian journalist Ahmed Abdel Basset has alleged that tensions developed following the goalless draw with Angola, with claims of verbal exchanges involving members of the technical staff and players.
The report also claimed that Salah left the camp unhappy, while suggestions were made that other prominent players could potentially miss a future international camp if the situation was not resolved.
However, Egypt have strongly denied the allegations.
Media officer Mohamed Mourad rejected claims that Ibrahim Hassan insulted or abused players during or after the Angola match and dismissed suggestions of a dispute between head coach Hossam Hassan and Salah.
Mourad also said there had been no collective player anger or agreement to boycott a future camp.
The Egyptian Football Association official went further, stating that legal action was being considered against the television programme which aired the allegations.
The conflicting accounts have ensured that Egypt's camp has become a major talking point ahead of the South Africa fixture.
On the pitch, Egypt's qualifying campaign has also been mixed. They opened their Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a goalless draw against Angola before responding with a convincing 5-0 victory over South Sudan.
Now they face a South Africa side that is building momentum and confidence, with a rock at the back in Makhanya.
Makhanya has chance to strengthen Rangers credentials
The fixture gives Makhanya another opportunity to demonstrate why he is increasingly being trusted at international level.
The 22-year-old's performance against Guinea was particularly encouraging given the quality of the opposition, with Mosimane specifically highlighting his battle against Guirassy.
His performances alongside Okon have also provided South Africa with a promising young centre-back partnership.
Okon revealed that the extended international camp has been made easier by the positive atmosphere within the squad.
“It's been long, but it hasn't really been long for us,” he said.
“We get along well and we're winning also. It's a good feeling in the camp and we're just enjoying the time here now.”
That momentum now faces one of its biggest tests against Egypt, crisis or not.
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