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Pitso expects pacey Bafana

Johannesburg - Pitso Mosimane is expecting his Bafana Bafana charges to be quick out of the blocks in Wednesday's friendly with Kenya.

South Africa trained at the plush surroundings of the Royal Bafokeng Sports Campus on Monday afternoon with most of the players having arrived in the morning.

The encounter against the Harambee Stars will be the coach's last chance to see his team in competitive action ahead of next month's crucial African Nations Cup qualifier with Egypt and Mosimane is demanding they hit the ground running.

"I'd like to get a good start - the players know the philosophy I want from them," he said.

"We have done it against big teams like Ghana and USA in the past but we need to always put or opponents on the back foot and go out with a positive mentality.

"Kenya have players at good clubs so it is important that we respect that. Hopefully we will play the way the same way that we have been recently."

The withdrawal of Kermit Erasmus through injury and doubts over the fitness of Tlou Segolela and Steven Pienaar aside, the Bafana coach was in good spirits as he discussed the state of his squad.

In particular, he highlighted Leeds United striker Davide Somma's blistering form which has seen him net 11 goals in 19 appearances for the Whites, many of which has been as a substitute.

He said: "It's getting better and I'm pleased to see some of the guys getting a good run for their clubs. Somma is doing very well and I hope the goals he has been scoring in the UK can rub off on us."

But when pressed as to whether he will try out any changes to his usual starting line-up, Mosimane played his cards close to his chest.

"I'm not saying it will be the same old faces. But we using this game to prepare for Egypt so we have to make sure we are ready for that challenge," he concluded. 
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