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Mosimane: Win at all costs

Durban - Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane admits there is pressure to deliver a morale-boosting win in their international friendly against Senegal at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.

The South African national side seek to recover from a torrid 2011, which ended with a 2-1 loss away to Zimbabwe in December.

"I think we need a win more than the fascinating football this time around," Mosimane said in Durban on Monday.

"Ill take a win - even a scrappy one. I think nobody will care just as long as we win."

Mosimane said they wanted to play positive football but they had little time to prepare adequately for the match.

"What we saw last year was not enough goals and now we want less draws," he said.

"It's difficult because there is a lot of pressure on the guys.

"Senegal played in the Africa Cup of Nations recently and are more prepared than us.

"There is no time since we have two days. But it's our duty and we have to come to the party."

Team captain Steven Pienaar shared Mosimane's sentiments ahead of Bafana's final preparatory fixture before they start their 2014 Brazil World Cup qualifying program.

With Siphiwe Tshabalala and Reneilwe Letsholonyane out injured, the resurgent Pienaar will be critical in guiding the youngsters, blooded by Mosimane, in the current squad.

"The game is important for us, we have some young players here in the squad that will also get some experience," Pienaar said.

"We need to start building and getting some confidence of the people ahead of the World Cup qualifiers."

Bafana arrived in Durban on Monday morning and have just two training sessions - one later in the day and another on Tuesday afternoon - before the match in front of an expected sold out crowd.

All 23 players were expected in camp by the evening, with the last four arriving in time for the first training session.

These include the trio from Belgium, Siboniso Gaxa, Anele Ngcongca and Daylon Claasen, along with Thulani Serero who is travelling from Holland.

However, there were concerns over injury-prone Tsepo Masilela, whose hamstring ailment was assessed by the new team doctor, Carl Tabane.

"We assessed the player (Masilela) and are happy with him," said Tabane.

"It's only a slight issue that we will work on."

Mosimane, however, added that he wanted to be careful with how they handled Masilela - an important player in the troublesome left-back position.

Mamelodi Sundowns' Punch Masenamela has been called up to the squad as an understudy whereas previously, Mosimane had been forced to field right-back Gaxa in the position.

"I'm happy that he is here but we have to be careful with Tsepo for the mutual benefit of us and his Spanish team, Getafe," Mosimane said.
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