Confederations Cup
Pienaar: Bafana looking sharp
2009-06-03 22:17
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Jaco van der MerweJohannesburg – Bafana Bafana appear physically strong enough to run along with the top dogs in the Confederations Cup, Steven Pienaar said.
The midfielder, one of the last players to join the South African training camp at the Bidvest Stadium in Johannesburg, was pleasantly surprised by his team-mates’ fitness.
Pienaar's club commitments in England only finished on Saturday when he played for Everton in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
"The last time that I checked in for a training camp was before the game against Norway and the guys looked rather unfit. But in the two days that I have been at the training camp, they look a lot sharper."
"It is reassuring, because only players who are fit can win games," said Pienaar.
The Bafana star admitted that he had still not fully recovered from a hamstring injury, which almost prevented him from playing at Wembley.
But the Everton star is almost certain to work the midfield at the Orlando Stadium for the friendly match against Poland.
Bafana coach, Joel Santana, will reduce his 29-men squad to 23 on Thursday for the Confederations Cup.
Earlier this week, the Brazilian said it would be heartbreaking for him to send the axed six players home.
Rumours are circulating that he might surprise many by leaving out experienced players like goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez and the defender Matthew Booth.
"There is still hope for all those who don’t make the final group. It will only motivate them to work harder so that they may again be considered for the World Cup group next year," said Booth.
South Africa is in the 72nd position with Trinidad and Tobago on the latest world ranking list after moving up five positions.