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'Terror' replaces injured Kermit

Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana have been in camp over the past two days preparing for their international friendly against Kenya at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Wednesday evening, kick-off at 20:35.

Coach Pitso Mosimane has had to make one alteration to his 24-man squad, with SuperSport United striker Kermit Erasmus dropping out due to injury. He has been replaced by Thembinkosi ‘Terror’ Fanteni of Ajax Cape Town.

“I am sorry for Kermit, it is really unfortunate that he can’t be with us on this camp as this is the kind of matches where young players like him need to be introduced,” said Mosimane.

“We had really hoped that at the very least he would be with us in camp even if he does not get to play, but I am happy on the other hand that Pienaar is seems to have recovered from the concussion that he had at his club last week.

“The midfielder is still being monitored by the team doctor and his being here also shows his commitment to the cause.”

The national coach claimed he was happy to see a large portion of Bafana’s overseas-based players seeing action with their

clubs prior to the international break, but believes that the situation can get better. “The weekly report on players tells me that of the nine overseas-based players currently in camp, six of them played in the past week. That is a good but it can be better, I can’t wait for the day when all the players get game time.

“When they play it makes our job a bit easier in the national team. For instance, this week we have only two training sessions because it’s a very short camp,” explained Mosimane.

“An even greater plus for us is that Davide Somma scored twice this past week against Hull City and Coventry, and this augurs well for the national team.

“This is our first match of the year, and a very important one for us as it comes before the 2012 AFCON qualifier against Egypt next month.

“Whatever we do this week we must have Egypt in mind, so we can escalate our preparations when the time comes.”

Captain Aaron Mokoena implored his teammates not to underestimate the Harambee Stars, despite lying 127th on FIFA’s official rankings.

“Kenya is not as weak as many people think. Every country that faces South Africa just wants to do well and we have to guard against taking them lightly because they are lower than us on the world rankings list. We are using this match to get our rhythm back so that when we face Egypt we are ready for a good fight,” said Mokoena.

South Africa squad

Goalkeepers: Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs).

Defenders: Ruben Cloete (Orlando Pirates), Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse, Belgium), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Bongani Khumalo (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth, England), Anele Ngcongca (Genk, Belgium), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Mzivukile Tom (Golden Arrows).

Midfielders: Daylon Claasen (Lierse, Belgium), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham, England), Andile Jali (Orlando Pirates), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Sifiso Myeni (Bidvest Wits), Matthew Pattison (Mamelodi Sundowns), Steven Pienaar (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Tlou Segolela (Orlando Pirates), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs).

Forwards: Kermit Erasmus (SuperSport United), Bernard Parker (Twente, Netherlands), Thulani Serero (Ajax Cape Town), Davide Somma (Leeds United, England).

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