Bafana Bafana
Tshabalala set to capt Bafana
2011-06-04 22:13
Siphiwe Tshabalala (Gallo)
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Johannesburg - Siphiwe Tshabalala is set to replace Steven Pienaar as captain of Bafana Bafana in their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Egypt on Sunday at the Military Academy Stadium.
Kick-off is at 20:30.
Pienaar was still struggling with injury on Saturday and did not train with the team in their final training session. Pienaar sustained a knee injury at training at the Rand Stadium on Thursday before the team left for Egypt.
"We are keeping our fingers crossed that he will be able to lead the team against Egypt. We have about 24 hours before the match so we will keep monitoring his progress, and I hope he makes it. I am waiting for the final report from the medical team before we take a decision. If he doesn't I will be disappointed, but it's not a crisis, we will be able to fill his position with a capable player," explained coach Pitso Mosimane.
Tshabalala did not dwell on the injury to Pienaar and was positive about his team's overall preparation for the match.
"Everything in camp has gone very well up to this point except for the knock that our captain sustained. All the players are hoping he makes it because he is a very influential player on the field and a very good leader," said Tshabalala.
"If he is not there we have players to take his place and I know they are also up for the task. As for me it would be an honour to captain my country in such a big match, especially because this is the same country I made my debut against five years ago. We are confident that we will do well, with so much support coming from all quarters," added Tshabalala.