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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana completed a full training session in the sweltering heat of Australia’s New South Wales state, looking sharp, high-spirited and full of running.
According to the supersport.com website, coach Gordon Igesund admitted he was impressed by the positive attitude and would have ‘a nice headache’ selecting his starting 11.
Most of the players have made a huge impression to warrant a place in the starting line up, something the coach said had thrilled him a lot on this trip.
“They all want to be part of this journey and they cannot wait for Monday’s game. They are raring to go and this is what you want in a youthful team like this,” added the Bafana Bafana coach.
Defender Thabo Nthethe had a slight knock during training and the technical team allowed him to sit out for the remainder of the session as a precaution. He would definitely play if selected among the starting line up.
Striker Thulani Serero, who had a blinder of a season for Dutch champions Ajax Amsterdam, said Bafana Bafana were here to win.
“This is a youthful squad; it looks ambitious and they will shock everyone on Monday. We are looking for victory and nothing else. I believe in the boys and I like their overall attitude,” said Serero.
“They have a point to prove and mark my words, this team will go far. I have seen some amazing talent in this team and this is definitely the team for the future.”
The match against World Cup bound Socceroos has created a lot of interest in this bustling city of 5 million inhabitants which include a good number of South Africans.
Already 50 000 tickets have been snapped up for a match that will take place at ANZ Stadium built for the Sydney Olympics. It holds a capacity of 80 000 and talk is that, come match day, all tickets will be gone.
A number of South Africans who are residing here have vowed to come and support Bafana Bafana and most say they will get to the game ‘equipped’ with their vuvuzelas.
Top players among the Socceroos are Dutch based trio of Tommy Oar, Adam Sarota (Utrecht) and Jason Davidson (Hercales). The three have been speaking highly of Thulani Serero whom they say was the best player in the Dutch league by a mile.
Captain Tim Cahill of New York Red Bulls will be playing in his third World Cup and is also said to be in peak form; so is goalkeeper, Maty Ryan who plays in Belgium.
