/ 19 November 2007

Bafana field depleted squad against Canadians

After a humbling defeat against the United States, Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira will be taking a squad devoid of overseas-based players into Tuesday night’s friendly match at Durban’s King’s Park. It is a decision in contrast to that of the Canadians who have included 17 European-based players in their squad.

Parreira, of course, made his decision before the United States game and unrepentantly maintains his projections are based on formalising the squad for the 2010 Soccer World Cup, in particular, and the African Nations Cup, which will be staged in Ghana early in 2008.

Adding to the woes of Bafana is the fact that Brett Evans and Brent Carelse, who dropped out of the United States game because of injuries, remain doubtful starters to oppose the Canadians.

Bafana have now failed to score a goal in the last five games against overseas opponents Bolivia, Scotland, Italy, Uruguay and the United States and impatient local fans are claiming ”the best way to prepare for 2010 is to win as many games as possible — not to fall into a syndrome whereby Bafana seem to be going from bad to worse”.

A Safa spokesperson also said a player count could result in additional players dropping out of the game against Canada.

”We have yet to receive a concise report from the Bafana camp, which is already ensconced in Durban,” he added.

But it has already been suggested dryly that the squad taking on Canada without overseas-based players cannot perform any worse than the one which lost to the United States. – Sapa

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Moeneeb Josephs, Rowen Fernandez.

Defenders: Vuyo Mere, Bryce Moon, Bevan Fransman, Ashraf Hendricks, Benson Mhlongo, Tsepo Masilela, Brett Evans (doubtful).

Midfielders: Brent Carelse (doubtful), Sipiwe Tshabalala, Kagisho Dikgakohl Lance Davids, Bamuza Sono, Lebogang Mothibantwa, Bernard Park, Teko Modise.

Forwards: Lerato Chanbangu, Bennet Chenene, Thembinkosi Fanteni, Norman Smith.