Tournament News
Final countdown for Bafana
2010-05-30 17:38
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Polokwane - Bafana Bafana will not relax or underestimate lowly Guatemala when they host the Central Americans in their penultimate soccer World Cup warm-up match at the new Peter Mokaba Stadium on Monday night. Kick-off is at 8.35pm.
That was the promise on Sunday from Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who is unbeaten in 10 matches in charge.
After a hard fought draw against 39th world ranked Bulgaria at the Orlando Stadium and a 2-1 win over the 34th best team in the world Colombia at a packed Soccer City last Thursday, Parreira said the spirits have soared.
But he warned: “There is no way we will take it easy against Guatemala. That would be a bad mistake.
"They play regularly against top countries such as Mexico who we face in our opening World Cup match on June 11, and finalists the United States, so they have a lot of experience.”
However, Parreria said he was in the dark as to Guatemala’s strengths and weaknesses.
Parreira is also expected to show his hand as to what will be his World Cup line-up against Mexico at Soccer City in 11 days time.
He said English based midfielders, Steven Pienaar of Everton and Fulham’s Kagisho Dikgacoi, would start as the central midfield pair.
Parreira added he would give both right backs, Greek based Bryce Moon and Andile Ngcongca, some game time against the 114th world ranked Gaugamela in order to asses them.
His other right back, Mamelodi Sundowns' Siboniso Gaxa, has played himself into the final 23-man squad Parreira will name on Tuesday as per Fifa rules.
Parreira said he had his 23-man squad in his mind, but conceded he still had a few areas to finalise - such as the two right backs. “I have three right backs and one has to go unfortunately.”
Parreria said Tuesday was going to be a sad day when he has to tell five players to go home. “It is going to be emotional and difficult for me. But it is my responsibility. I feel for the players who will be left out."
Parreira was mum on whether he would start with West Ham United striker Benni McCarthy, but when pushed said “probably”. McCarthy joined the camp two weeks ago over weight and not match fit after injuries and loss of form prevented him from getting a regular game with his English Premiership club.
McCarthy came on in the second half against Colombia but failed to make an impression on the tough-as-teak Colombian defenders. Parreira admitted he was a little worried about his side’s lack of penetration.
Moeneeb Josephs, who replaced injured Itumeleng Khune in goal against Colombia, retains his place in the starting line-up. “Whether Khune had been 100 per cent fit there was no ways I could drop Josephs after his magnificent display in the second half.”
Josephs' Orlando Pirate teammate, Lucas Thwala, is also expected to retain his place after replacing injured Tsepo Masilela in the second half against Colombia.
Parreira said neither Khune nor Masilela were seriously injured and would be rested against Guatamela as a precaution.
Both would be fit to play against Denmark in the final warm-up at the Super Stadium on Saturday (2.10pm).
While Parreira is not expecting as tough a game as Bafana experienced against Bulgaria and Colombia, he said Guatemala were an important milestone in his World Cup plans.
“This is the final countdown. We cannot afford to let things slide with only two warm-up games left before we play Mexico.
"Against Colombia it was emotional because of the 75 000 crowd and our first match at the new Soccer City. That was a brilliant experience for my boys who now know what kind of atmosphere they will get from the fans as well as pressure from Mexico."
He added he was pleased with Bafana’s progress since he took charge last November: “The players were down when I joined the team, now they are flying high and ready to play in the World Cup.”