Rated the second-best team in the world Germany will be a real test for the South African team
Soccer: Lungile Madywabe
BAYERN MUNICH star Jurgen Klinsmann’s clinical finishing has made him one of the most feared strikers in the world. And this is the man South Africa’s defenders will have to try and contain on Friday night when they come up against the might of Germany at the new Johannesburg Stadium.
There is just under one month to go before the African Nations Cup finals and South African coach Clive Barker cannot afford to have his defence giving away goals. After the belated dropping of South African captain Steve Komphela and goalkeeper Steve Crowley, Barker must surely be thinking of who else to drop or retain and possible new inclusions in the squad.
Barker would not want a repeat of the booing of Komphela and Crowley which occurred during the Four Nations tournament. Subsequently Crowley was replaced by Cape Town Spurs’ Andre Arendse.
The Germany match is the last international friendly South Africa can use to test their strength before the finals next year. And unfortunately Barker will not have a full squad at his disposal to choose from. The in- form Helman Mkhelele, John Moeti and Mark Fish are unavailable because of Orlando Pirates involvement in the Champions Cup final.
But at least Barker will be able to see if Leeds United striker Philemon Masinga still has the appetite for goals. Masinga has spent most of the season nursing a groin injury.
While the Germans may be thinking about the tall striker, Masinga regards Klinsman as a “handful for defenders”. Barker is likely to play the combination of Sean Dundee, Masinga and Mark Williams to boost his attack upfront. Williams has booked his place in the South African squad following his brilliant performance in the Four Nations Cup. “One does not become an international player overnight. Williams has gradually worked himself up the ladder and I think he has arrived at the international level,” said Barker.
Sean Dundee, who plies his trade in the Bundesliga with Karlruhe, will be making his debut for South Africa, and with Williams and Masinga will be trying to score against seasoned international defenders like Thomas Helmer, Jurgen Kohler, Stefan Reuter and Mathias Sammer.
Sundowns’ Joel Masilela has been drafted into the squad to replace Mkhelele. “He is the perfect replacement for Helman,” says Barker
Ranked second in the world, the German team would not want to dent their record by being complacent and this game is just as important to them because it is part of their build-up to the European Cup finals.