Confederations Cup
Mokoena: Bafana need you
2009-06-19 17:09
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A message for you (gallo)
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Bloemfontein -South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena has urged the country to get behind the national team when they play Spain on Saturday for a place in the Confederations Cup semi-finals.
Bafana Bafana need a point against the rampant European champions to be sure of a berth in the last four and Mokoena said the support they get at the 40 000-capacity Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein will be vital.
"It will be very difficult but after our win (against New Zealand) we now have regained our confidence," he said.
"All we need is the support from South Africa."
So far the hosts have drawn 0-0 with Iraq and beaten the All Whites 2-0. Even if they lose they can still go through if Iraq fail to beat New Zealand on the same day.
Spain have already qualified and even if, as expected, Vicente del Bosque fields a weakened team on Saturday South Africa still have their work cut out against a side that has won its last 14 games.
"I think they'll play well regardless of who they field, it really doesn't matter because they are so good," said Mokoena. "They have qualified but they will still want to do well."
Regardless of what happens, the captain believes high profile matches against quality opposition like Spain will stand them in good stead for the World Cup next year.
"These are the sort of games that should test our character," he said. "It is good that we need something out of the game so we should see how we get that point."
South Africa qualify for the World Cup automatically as hosts.
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