THURSDAY, 1.00PM:
BAFANA BAFANA coach Clive Barker is not worried by the presence of spies who frequent their training sessions in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Barker said this after taking his charges through their paces at the Special Security Forces Stadium in the Saudi capital on Wednesday.
“We are not concerned with the spying because it happens wherever you go. We are not used to holding secret training sessions,” he said .
The absence of some of the key players will force Barker to make some changes to the team that lost 2-1 to Brazil at Ellis Park Stadiumm last Sunday. Eric Tinkler, who plays for Barnsley, Leeds United’s Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish of Bolton Wanderers in England will all miss the opening game due to club commitments. Coming into contention are Dumisani Ngobe for Tinkler’s position, and David Nyathi could be called to strengthen defence.
In another change, Bafana Bafana vice-captain Sizwe Motaung could wear the captain’s band in Radebe’s absence. Motaung was oozing confidence after the training session on Wednesday. “Patience and ability to convert our chances in front of goals hold the key to success. We face a big test here,” said Motaung.
South Africa’s opening game is against Czech Republic on Saturday.