Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira (File)

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Johannesburg - Swazi national team coach, Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba, has promised to give Bafana Bafana a good run for their money when the two sides meet in a training match at Durban's Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Mashaba told Football365.co.za that although this would be considered a friendly match, they will be giving it their all to ensure Bafana are thoroughly tested.

Swaziland play a makeshift Bafana made up of only local-based players that have been in camp in Durban since last Friday. Entrance to the game is free.

"I know this is just a friendly game but there is nothing friendly when you put two national teams in a field of play. For us it is a friendly only in name," said Mashaba, who was team manager at Orlando Pirates before taking on the Swaziland job two years ago.

"We are taking the game very seriously because South Africa is preparing for a big occasion (the World Cup). We would want to give them a good run so they can detect their weak points."

Mashaba also expressed his gratitude to SAFA for having considered them worthy opponents for this game.

He continued: "We really appreciate this chance because South Africa is at an important stage as they prepare for the World Cup. This invitation means a lot to us and we have worked hard in preparing for the game.

"We have a good side here with us although I will be without some players due to injury. I am still awaiting Tony Tsabedze. He should be coming here soon from Cape Town."

Mashaba also advised his former employers, SAFA, to line up some bigger opponents for the 2010 World Cup hosts.

He said: "Bafana will need to strike a balance and play both weaker and strong opponents to really see how ready they are."

Asked what he thinks of Bafana's readiness at this stage, Mashaba said he can't really tell because the team has been through some ups and downs recently.

"There have been ups and downs especially after the Confederations Cup. I cannot say what the problem has been because I am not close to the team," he added.

"I am worried about the time though. We must commend SAFA and the country's commercial wing, the PSL for reaching an agreement to end the soccer season early to allow Bafana more time to prepare for the World Cup."