Coach Gordon Igesund said he was contented
with the workout the team had on Friday night against Swaziland whom Bafana
Bafana walloped 3-0 to set the scene for Tuesday’s massive international
friendly against World and European champions Spain.
“The game was exactly what we expected it to
be. We knew Swaziland was going to give us some respect, I also knew they were
gong to sit behind the ball and play on the counter attack. I think for 45
minutes they defended quite well. We had lot of possession but never created
enough scoring chances and that is credit to them,” said Igesund.
“I also knew in a long run they were going to
run out of steam because they were running too hard and chasing every ball.
They parked the bus and we had to overcome that. We came up with a plan at
halftime, and within three minutes of the second half we got our reward. Credit
to Swaziland for competing but at the end of the day the bettter team won.
Whilst I was happy with our performance, there is still a lot of work to be
done. It was a good test and a good outing for us.”
Defender Thabo Matlaba was stretchered off
the field after he was caught by an elbow in the face. He was replaced by Tefo
Mashamaite in the 62nd minute.
Igesund made three more changes with Sibusiso
Vilakazi, Edward Manqele and Hlompho Kekana taking the places of Siphiwe
Tshabalala Bernard Parker and Letsholonyane respectively.
“I am very worried about Thabo Matlaba, add
to that the fact Tsepo Masilela has been ruled out after he injured his groin
at training - which means I have no left back at the moment. Both of them are
quality players. I have called up Tebogo Langerman from Mamelodi Sundowns to
replace Masilela and I might keep one player from those who were not in the
squad for Spain in case Matlaba does not recover. I am expecting a report from
the team doctor before I take a decision on Matlaba,” said the Bafana Bafana
mentor.
Bafana Bafana return to South Africa on
Saturday, 16 November to start preparations for the upcoming friendly
international match against Spain.
The clash will take place on Tuesday, 19
November at the FNB Stadium.
- SAFA
