Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba says it doesn't matter that Cameroon have a brand new coach because the Afcon 2017 qualifier remains a crucial encounter.

The South African national team faces Cameroon in a two-legged affair and the Indomitable Lions will be coached by Hugo Broos who replaced Volker Finke in February.

“We're aware of their group standings and so on, they wouldn't want to sleep in a top position and they'll come here spitting fire,” said Mashaba.

“In terms of their new coach or old coach, as coaches we're there to guide the players, it is the players' temperament that says I'm going to do it for the coach.

“I'm going to play for the coach, I'm going to play above the instructions of the coach, for them to bring a new or an old coach, it doesn't mean it will be a walk in the park.

“It's going to be war especially playing them down in Cameroon, it's going to be a tight, tight situation.”

Mashaba's men will have to fight harder against the Indomitable Lions as they are placed at number four in Group M after a win and a draw in their opening two matches.

The first leg of the crucial encounter is scheduled to be held in Cameroon at the new Stade Omnisport de Limbe on the 26th of March.

Meanwhile, the return leg will be staged at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium three days later.