/ 18 September 1999

NDLANYA FIGHTING FIT

FORMER Kaizer Chiefs striker Pollen Ndlanya insists he’s fit for play in Bafana Bafana’s Afro-Asian Cup game against Saudi Arabia in Cape Town on Saturday. That’s despite weeks of inaction after the earthquake that rocked Turkey over a month ago. Ndlanya arrived in South Africa yesterday and told the Sowetan he’s still savouring the goal he scored on Sunday to help his team Goztepspor to its 2-0 First Division victory over Istanbulspor. He said shortly after the earthquake, his team was ordered into camp and played friendly games to maintain match fitness. But he added his team faces Gazientepspor on Sunday and its directors were relcutant to let him go. “I am one of the most experienced players in the side and they certainly needed me,” he said. “I left without telling anyone.” Ndlanya joins Mark Fish, Eric Tinkler, Aaron Mokoena and Ivan Mckinley, all foreign-based, at the Bafana camp ahead of Saturday’s game at Newlands. Kick-off is at 3pm.