TUESDAY, 1.00PM:
BAFANA BAFANA will play a match against Free State XI on Tuesday night as part of their preparation for their do-or-die World Cup qualifying match against Congo at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
National coach Clive Barker said the reason for playing the friendly match is two-fold: ”Firstly, we owe it to the Free State public. They’ve never seen the national team in action on their doorstep. Secondly, we need to stretch the players out. It won’t be confrontational though,” said Barker.
He said there is only one man — captain Lucas Radebe — whom he will not risk fielding because he played for Leeds United against Arsenal in England at the weekend and does not need the run against Free State.
Meanwhile, Barker suffered yet another blow when top goalscorer Philemon ”Chippa” Masinga could not train with the rest of the squad on Monday because of a hamstring injury. He picked up the injury during pre-season training with his Italian Serie A side Bari. Both Barker and Masinga are optimistic that he will pass a late fitness test. Barker said he will be getting daily progress on Masinga’s condition from physiotherapist Dave Berker.