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Parker arrives at Bafana camp

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has a full complement of players to choose from for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt following the arrival of Bernard Parker on Tuesday.

The match will be held on Saturday at the Ellis Park Stadium. Kick-off is at 20:05.

All the players have now reported for national team duty with Greece-based Parker the last to arrive on Tuesday, 22 March 2011. Belgium- based Anele Ngcongca, Siboniso Gaxa as well as Daylon Claasen also arrived in camp on Monday.

Meanwhile, midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi believes now is the best time to defeat Egypt.

“Despite the problems in their country they are still an experience side. But we have had a chat with the Supersport United players – Kermit Erasmus and Morgan Gould – who went to Egypt last week and they were telling us that most of the players looked a bit sluggish as they have not trained in a long time due to the recent unrest in their country.

“Technically and tactically they are sound but their physical conditioning is not at the peak so we have to capitalise on that. We have to hit them with pace and speed and ensure that they don’t stand a chance against us. It’s going to be difficult due to the fact that they are a good side but they can still be beaten. But we should not focus on their problems back home and just concentrate on what we plan on doing on Saturday,” said Dikgacoi.

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune said the team is under no pressure to do well but the players are aware of the importance of this match.

“We have a good side, and have been working very hard. We have players who can take care of Egypt. We want to keep our number one spot and we will do anything to defend that position. We are playing at home and we are hopeful the fans will come in numbers to give us the support we need.

“And yes I have spoken to Morgan as well in terms of defending the goals, who the danger men are and it was quite an insight which will be valuable at the match. I expect a busy day at the office because I know they can attack the whole match but we have prepared well for them,” said Khune.

Coach Mosimane has given the players the morning off on Wednesday to recuperate following five days of intensive training. The players will resume training in the afternoon.

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