Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Kagisho Dikgacoi believes Bafana Bafana's physical state will ensure they down Egypt at Ellis Park on Saturday.
South Africa tackle the Pharaohs in an intriguing 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as the leaders of Group G, while the continent's giants are at the bottom of the standings.
"I spoke to Kermit Erasmus after he came back from Egypt with SuperSport United (where they lost 2-0 to Al Ahly) and he told me the Egyptians are technically sound but he said physically they are not in the best of shapes since their league was on recess recently due to the troubles (political unrest) in their country," said the midfielder.
"But most of the Bafana players have been playing week in and week out so we can outclass them especially on the physical side of the game."
Dikgacoi had his own physical worries in recent times as he battled for game time at English Premier League club Fulham, but he feels he is in tip-top condition after joining Championship side Crystal Palace two months ago.
He added: "I have been playing week in and week out at Palace. I think we have played about six matches and in five I have played for 90 minutes and the other game I came on in the 75th minute.
"So physically I'm up to the standard. I have always wanted to be part of the national team but it couldn't help me or the country if I was not playing at club level but now I'm ready. I will add value to the team because I'm match fit.
"I have been playing as a box-to-box midfielder at Palace and I have really been enjoying the role. It is one of my best positions and I hope I can do the same for the country," Dikgacoi concluded.
South Africa tackle the Pharaohs in an intriguing 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier as the leaders of Group G, while the continent's giants are at the bottom of the standings.
"I spoke to Kermit Erasmus after he came back from Egypt with SuperSport United (where they lost 2-0 to Al Ahly) and he told me the Egyptians are technically sound but he said physically they are not in the best of shapes since their league was on recess recently due to the troubles (political unrest) in their country," said the midfielder.
"But most of the Bafana players have been playing week in and week out so we can outclass them especially on the physical side of the game."
Dikgacoi had his own physical worries in recent times as he battled for game time at English Premier League club Fulham, but he feels he is in tip-top condition after joining Championship side Crystal Palace two months ago.
He added: "I have been playing week in and week out at Palace. I think we have played about six matches and in five I have played for 90 minutes and the other game I came on in the 75th minute.
"So physically I'm up to the standard. I have always wanted to be part of the national team but it couldn't help me or the country if I was not playing at club level but now I'm ready. I will add value to the team because I'm match fit.
"I have been playing as a box-to-box midfielder at Palace and I have really been enjoying the role. It is one of my best positions and I hope I can do the same for the country," Dikgacoi concluded.
