Igesund excited with strong Spain squad to face Bafana

Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has welcomed the announcement of the strong Spain squad that will play against Bafana Bafana in a high-profile international match on 19 November 2013 saying his charges don’t need further motivation.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque named a 22-man squad teeming with a galaxy of stars who ply trade in top European leagues to take on Bafana Bafana at FNB Stadium. The match kicks-off at 21h00.

Dubbed “The Champions are Coming,” the match provides South African soccer fans with a rare opportunity to watch top stars in action.

Spain coach Del Bosque named his squad soon after Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund had named his own formidable side. Spain squad include 13 players who were part of the 2010 FIFA World Cup winning team in South Africa.

Crowd favourite Andres Iniesta, the scorer of the winning goal in the World Cup, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Pedro and Xabi Alonso will form the nucleus of the team that will touch down in South Africa on 17 November.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have four players each in the squad, with English clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea and Arsenal all having strong representatives.

“I am am quite pleased that Del Bosque is bringing his strongest squad because my players will get enough motivation to play against the best in the world.

“It is going to be great meeting World champions on the field and compete, because I believe I have selected a squad that can do the job,” said coach Gordon Igesund.

“This is really a formidable Spain squad and we could not have asked for more. This is one match where you don’t need to motivate the players because they know what they are coming up against,” added Igesund.

Spain is expected to arrive in South Africa on Sunday morning (17 November).

- SAFA