South
Africa will face 2014 FIFA World Cup-bound Australia on Monday, 26 May in
Sydney at the ANZ Stadium at 19h30 Australian time (11h30 South African Time).
This
will be followed by the clash against New Zealand four days later (Friday, 30
May) at 19h30 New Zealand Time – 09h30 South Africa Time in Auckland at the Mt
Smart Stadium.
“These
matches are an integral part of the Association’s vision to have Bafana Bafana
play against some of the top sides in the world. For us to have a strong Bafana
Bafana we will have to face these big footballing nations. We have already
played the likes of Spain and Brazil, and we have lined more high profile games
which we will unveil with time,” said SAFA President Dr Danny Jordaan.
Bafana
Bafana and The All Whites (New Zealand) last met in 2009 in the FIFA
Confederations Cup which South Africa hosted. The home side won 2-0 in a match
played in Rustenburg. The last clash with the Socceroos (Australia) ended in a
2-2 stalemate in London in 2008. Australia is using this match to finalise
their preparations for the World Cup.
“I
believe I have selected players capable of doing us proud Down Under in the two
matches. We are also happy to have been given the opportunity to assist
Australia in their preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup tournament in
Brazil. This is a chance we could not miss. We hope our match will be of great
assistance,” said Igesund.
“As
these matches do not fall under the FIFA calendar dates, I hope we will get all
the players that we would like to have for the two clashes.”
The
squad assembles on Monday, 19 May 2014 at the Tsogo Sun Hotel OR Tambo
International Airport.
Bafana
Bafana will have two training sessions (Tuesday, 20 May and Wednesday, 21 May)
before departure for Sydney, Australia on Thursday afternoon (22 May). The
training sessions will be held at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto. Bafana Bafana
returns to South Africa on Monday, 1 June.
Bafana Bafana Squad
is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Itumeleng Khune, Ronwen Williams.
Defenders:
Anelel Ngcongca, Thabo Nthethe, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Xulu, Thabo Matlaba,
Tsepo Masilela.
Midfielders:
Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali, Bongani Zungu, Themba Zwane, Oupa Manyisa,
Thulani Serero, Ayanda Patosi, Siphiwe Tshabalala.
