Bafana
Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has announced a 24-man squad to face Malawi in an
international friendly match at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The
clash will take place on Saturday, 22 December 2012 and kicks off at 18h00.
Igesund
has kept the core of the team that lost 1-0 to Zambia at FNB Stadium in the
Nelson Mandela Challenge last month.
Belgium-based
midfielder Ayanda Patosi is the only newcomer into the squad, with defender
Tsepo Masilela making a comeback into the team after a long lay-off due to
injury. Also returning after a long absence from the national team are
Russia-based defender Siyanda Xulu and the Orlando Pirates duo of goalkeeper
Senzo Meyiwa and forward Daine Klate.
“I
have been using the past five matches to look at various players and this one
against Malawi is no different. The only difference is that this is the last
chance for me and my technical team to have a final look at what we have at our
disposal,” said Igesund.
“Time
for observing and assessing the players is almost over, and I believe this
match will give us an indication of where we are and where we are going,” added
Igesund.
The
coach has also announced a further 12 players that will go into a mini-training
camp in Johannesburg from 27 – 30 December, where he will have a last look at
the players. The final 23-man 2013 AFCON team will be announced after this camp
on Sunday, 30 December.
“We
initially intended to name the final squad after the match against Norway on
the 9th of January next year, but after careful consideration, we have decided
to name the squad at the end of our upcoming December camp so that when we
start the January camp we have all the players we are going to use in the AFCON
tournament.
“That
will enable them to play together the last two preparation matches against
Norway and Algeria,” said Igesund.
Bafana
Bafana was last in Durban in February when they played to a goalless draw
against Senegal.
“It’s
fantastic to be back at this magnificent and world class venue that is the
Moses Mabhida Stadium. As SAFA we are well aware that football has a special
place in this part of the world, and it is no surprise that Bafana Bafana have
always enjoyed great support in this City and the Province in general,” said
SAFA CEO Dr Robin Petersen.
“We
are really honoured to have once again partnered with the City of eThekwini to
stage this match and call upon fans to come and make this a momentous occasion for
our all involved, especially our national team as they prepare for the
all-important upcoming AFCON 2013 which we will host as a country.
The
City of eThekwini is equally delighted to host Bafana Bafana.
”We
are proud to once again welcome the national team to our shores because these
are our pride and joy. As the City of eThekwini, we are ready to host this game
and will pull out all stops to ensure that we do not lower standards in
preparation for the AFCON tournament in which we will host the group that will
feature our Bafana,” said Cllr James Nxumalo, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality.
The
Mayor has also made an appeal to the fans to come and support Bafana Bafana.
“We
urge people to buy tickets on time and come in numbers to ensure that we show
the world that we are ready to host next year’s AFCON tournament. As is
tradition during the festive season, eThekwini is already abuzz with activities
and visitors from all over the country and the globe. We have no doubt the
large number of people who are already in the City to enjoy their holidays will
go out and fill the Moses Mabhida Stadium to capacity in support of our
national team. We wish Bafana Bafana the best of luck and are confident that
they will do the country proud,” added Cllr Nxumalo.
Bafana
Bafana will assemble for camp on Wednesday, 19 December in Johannesburg and
will fly to Durban on Thursday, 20 December.
They
will have two training sessions – one on Thursday evening at People’s Park and
the second on Friday morning (21 December) at the match venue.
The full Bafana
Bafana squad to face Malawi follows:
BAFANA BAFANA TEAM TO FACE MALAWI:
ADDITIONAL PLAYERS:
To join the 27 – 30
December training camp in Johannesburg
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