South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena said on Tuesday he loves a British-style physical contest on the pitch and reckons his experience in England will serve him well against Scotland.
The Blackburn Rovers defender is set to lead out Bafana Bafana against the Scots at Pittodrie on Wednesday in a warm-up game for both sides.
”I think it will be a very physical game against Scotland because the Scottish and English leagues are similar,” he said.
”I enjoy the physical part of the game and it has gone well for me in English football. I enjoy battling, it’s part of my game.”
Mokoena (26) added he would love to play for Glasgow giants Celtic and Rangers in the future should he get the chance.
”I haven’t had the chance to go to Scotland but I would love to go to two teams — Celtic or Rangers. I would love to play for either of them.
”Both sides are certainly the top teams in Scotland and I’m certain they could do well in England or playing against English clubs. You never know if it will happen in the future.
”I am happy at Blackburn now but you can never tell what will happen,” he added.
Scotland are preparing for a 2008 European Championship qualifying double-header against Lithuania in Glasgow on September 8, and then away to France four days later.
Meanwhile, 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa are looking for a morale-boosting victory ahead of their final African Nations Cup qualifier at home to Zambia on September 8.
”We need to play these types of games,” former Ajax defender Mokoena said.
”Scotland play with a lot of tempo but we are very good on the ball, very quick and so it will be a very interesting game. We have a great respect for Scotland, but it is a great chance for us and we will go out there and enjoy ourselves.
”It is an exciting time for us and we look forward to it.” — AFP
