Bafana Bafana
Igesund backs rotation policy
2012-10-16 11:10
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund stands by his squad rotation
strategy as he looks to tinker with his line-up for Tuesday's clash in
Kenya.
In what was only his third match in charge, Igesund fielded a
new-look starting XI for Friday night's 1-0 defeat in a international
friendly with Poland.
The former Moroka Swallows boss has brought in several unknown
overseas-based players, as well as called up local talent who've yet to
be given an opportunity on the international scene.
Igesund is also looking to start midfielder Delron Buckley in
Nairobi, the 34-year-old's recall to the national set-up after a
four-year absence coming on the back of impressive performances for
Maritzburg United this season.
"We are trying a number of combinations in preparations for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tournament," said Igesund.
"We have 26 players in camp and some didn't play against Poland, so this will be their chance to also get a run.
"We have to juggle the squad around so that we have a clear picture when we name the final squad for the tournament
"We haven't started tactical work yet because the current idea is
to watch as many players as possible. In the next three weeks or so I
will be 70 percent certain of my final squad, but for now it is still a
work in progress."
Meanwhile, the 56-year-old is confident South Africa can bounce
back from their loss to the Poles in Warsaw, but insists the result was
just a microcosm of a bigger picture.
Igesund added: "There is no pressure at all because we are in the
preparatory phase. I would rather lose to Poland and Kenya, but do well
in the Afcon."
South Africa host the African Cup of Nations tournament next year in January and February.