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Timothy Molobi
Porto Feliz – Bafana Bafana’s intention of completing their World Cup preparation against football giants Argentina may be wrecked by a dispute over money.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) are apparently refusing to pay Diego Maradona’s team $1.5m to play Bafana at Soccer City in Johannesburg in May.
Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira wants to use the match against Lionel Messi and Co as a dress rehearsal for South Africa’s first World Cup match against Mexico on June 11.
SAFA and Argentina have not been able to come to an agreement.
Parreira on Wednesday also revealed plans for the second of Bafana’s three World Cup training camps in Germany next month.
The Brazilian is planning for his side to play against Finland and China after Bafana finish their South American safari against Paraguay on March 30.
Finland are coached by former Bafana coach Stuart Baxter.
South Africa have already played six training games and take on Ponte Petra in the Academia Traffic De Futebol facility outside Sao Paulo on Friday after the match against Desportivo Brasil was moved to Saturday and the one against Palmeiras called off.
“The more games we play, the more chance I have of running the rule over the players to decide who will make my team,” said Parreira.
“The only way in which you can really make the decisions is to judge the players in game situations. That is why we are playing so many games.”
He believes the planned match against Argentina can help his team’s preparation as the team will play one of the world’s top countries in front of a massive crowd.
“Bringing Messi to South Africa will stimulate interest and compensate for any financial demands.”
Meanwhile, Bafana are reaping the benefits of the first two weeks of their training camp here.
The players initially complained about being pushed too hard by fitness coach Francesco Gonzalez, but are now enjoying the tough training regime.
“It was tough, but our fitness has improved,” said 20-year-old Daylon Claasen of Ajax Amsterdam.
“Our goal is to do well in the World Cup and we are here to work hard.”
Porto Feliz – Bafana Bafana’s intention of completing their World Cup preparation against football giants Argentina may be wrecked by a dispute over money.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) are apparently refusing to pay Diego Maradona’s team $1.5m to play Bafana at Soccer City in Johannesburg in May.
Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira wants to use the match against Lionel Messi and Co as a dress rehearsal for South Africa’s first World Cup match against Mexico on June 11.
SAFA and Argentina have not been able to come to an agreement.
Parreira on Wednesday also revealed plans for the second of Bafana’s three World Cup training camps in Germany next month.
The Brazilian is planning for his side to play against Finland and China after Bafana finish their South American safari against Paraguay on March 30.
Finland are coached by former Bafana coach Stuart Baxter.
South Africa have already played six training games and take on Ponte Petra in the Academia Traffic De Futebol facility outside Sao Paulo on Friday after the match against Desportivo Brasil was moved to Saturday and the one against Palmeiras called off.
“The more games we play, the more chance I have of running the rule over the players to decide who will make my team,” said Parreira.
“The only way in which you can really make the decisions is to judge the players in game situations. That is why we are playing so many games.”
He believes the planned match against Argentina can help his team’s preparation as the team will play one of the world’s top countries in front of a massive crowd.
“Bringing Messi to South Africa will stimulate interest and compensate for any financial demands.”
Meanwhile, Bafana are reaping the benefits of the first two weeks of their training camp here.
The players initially complained about being pushed too hard by fitness coach Francesco Gonzalez, but are now enjoying the tough training regime.
“It was tough, but our fitness has improved,” said 20-year-old Daylon Claasen of Ajax Amsterdam.
“Our goal is to do well in the World Cup and we are here to work hard.”
