FRIDAY, 12.00NOON:
SOUTH African soccer coach Clive Barker’s plans were dealt a severe blow when three of his players laid low with stomach bug on Thursday. Midfielders Doctor Khumalo and Dumisani Ngobe and striker Pollen Ndlanya had an easy workout at Thursday’s training session. “We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed for them,” said Barker.
Bafana Bafana meet Czech Republic in their opening match of the King Fahd Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Barker said few changes can be expected to the team that did duty against Brazil last Sunday at Ellis Park. Striker Brendon Augustine, who caught Barker’s attention at training this week, is likely to partner Phil Masinga up front. The back four could read as Sizwe Motaung at right back, helped by Willem Jackson at left back, Neil Tovey as sweeper and Mark Fish at centre back.
With Doctor Khumalo ill, Jabu Mnguni or Clinton Larsen could assume the role of a playmaker. The other three spaces left are for John “Shoes” Moshoeu, Hellman Mkhalele and John Moeti. Andre Arendse will be the last line of defence.