17 February 2014
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has named a strong squad, including recalled midfielder Thulani Serero, for South Africa’s friendly match against World Cup hosts Brazil in Johannesburg on 5 March.
Serero had a falling out with coach Gordon Igesund ahead of Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup qualifier against Botswana in September 2013, but the two men have since resolved their differences.
The squad contains many of the players who did duty in Bafana’s shock 1-0 win over world number one Spain in November last year. That match took place at the FNB Stadium, the venue for clash with the Brazilians.
“It is not every day that one gets to play against five-time world champions,” Igesund said in Johannesburg on Friday. “This is a great opportunity for us to continue from where we left off against Spain last year.
“They are the hosts of the 2014 World Cup, so they will definitely be taking this match seriously, as you can see from the squad they have selected.”
The Brazil squad, is loaded with big name players, including, among others David Luiz, Dante, Dani Alves, Neymar, Thiago Silva and Hulk.
South Africa last played Brazil in Sao Paulo in September 2012, in coach Igesund’s first match in charge, with Hulk scoring the only goal of the game in the 75th minute.
“I also have a lot of confidence in the squad I have selected, and I believe we will be very competitive on the night. This should be a very good challenge for the players,” Igesund said.
Tickets for the match are already on sale at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide.
They are going for R50 for the top tier, R200 for the middle tier, and R100 for the bottom tier.
BAFANA SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Ronwen Williams
Defenders: Thabo Nthete, Bongani Khumalo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Xulu, Anele Ngcongca, Thato Mokeke and Thabo Matlaba
Midfielders: Dean Furman, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Daylon Claasen, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Ayanda Patosi, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Bongani Zungu and Hlompho Kekana
Strikers: Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie and Dino Ndlovu
Source: SANews.gov.za
