The
clash will take place on Friday, 15 November 2013 and kickoff is at 20h30.
This
will be the fourth meeting between the two nations – the previsous three have
been in the COSAFA CUP.
South
Africa and Swaziland first met 13 years ago (18 June 2000) in Witbank with
Bafana Bafana emerging victorious 2-0.
The
second clash took place two years later (24 August 2002) in Polokwane, South
Africa winning 4-1.
The
last encounter was played seven years ago (20 May 2006). Benson Mhlongo scored
the solitary goal in a match held in Botswana.
Siphiwe
Tshabalala is only remaining member of that squad – having come on in the 78th
minute for Dillon Sheppard.
“That
we have played them three times and won does not automatically make us winners
again. We are expectign a tough match, more so because it is an away game. We
have to be very cautious not to underestimate them but strive to do our best to
win the match,” said Tshabalala.
Bafana
Bafana will be playing on an artificial turf at Somhlolo Stadium.
Bafana
Bafana coach Gordon Igesund is using the match to prepare for the CHAN
tournament that will be hosted in South Africa from 11 January – 1 February
2014.
“We
should have a good game and I don’t think the ranking will be an issue because
international footobal has changed a lot. This is a going to be a good exercise
for us as we prepare for CHAN. I am trying to give as a many players a chance
as possible because I have a big pool of players lining up to play in the CHAN
tournament and I have to select 23 that will represent South Africa,” said
Igesund.
”So
I am going to field a strong squad because I don’t want to disrecpect anybody
but just want to win the match and get my preparations for CHAN going. We would
like to score as many goals as possible. The players that are here are fighting
for their places which will make this match even more exciting.”
Defender
Thabo Nthete is also confident about a positive outcome.
“We
are going to approach this game like any other game, wanting to win. We know we
are playing away so they are not going to make it easy for us more so with all
the support behind them in the stands. and its going to be tough with all your
supporters behind you. But I do believe we have the quality to get a positive
result against Swaziland,” said Nthete.
- SAFA
