Carlos Alberto Parreira has told his players to seize the moment and make the most of their chance to play for Bafana Bafana in the Soccer World Cup on home soil in June.
Parreira said the real fight for places in his World Cup squad starts in earnest when Bafana play Namibia in a friendly international at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday.
Said Parreira: “Now that the World Cup is close the players are part of an elite group. Very few soccer players get the chance to play at a World Cup, especially at home.
“Now every training session as well as friendly matches is important in the preparations for the event and players must make the most of it.”
Parreira stressed he would not underestimate Namibia.
“What I know for a fact is there are no easy games and Namibia will come here to try and upset us. And that is good. We need to be ready to fight.”
Make or break
This match is vital for three defenders in Bradley Carnell, Bevan Fransman and Bryce Moon, who have it all to do and must prove they are still good enough for a place in the World Cup squad to be announced in May.
All three were discarded by previous Bafana coach Joel Santana after a string of poor results.
German-based Carnell,33, is an experienced left back and if he can get through 90 minutes without being injured, he could be back in the reckoning.
The former Wits and Kaizer Chiefs star has been plagued by injuries through his 16 year career, but according to Parreira, Carnell is back on top of his game for his German Second Division club Hansa Rostock.
“I rate Carnell and I know he is injury prone, but he is playing regularly in Germany and if he remains injury free, his experience could be invaluable for the World Cup,” said Parreira.
Moon, who plays for POAK in the Greek First Division, gets his chance to re-establish himself in Parreira’s eyes against what promises to be a limited Namibian attack led by Platinum Stars striker Henrico Botes.
‘Last-minute lifeline’
Fransman, who plays for Maccabi Netanya in Israel, is determined to cash in on what he said was a turn of fortune for him. He described his selection as “being given a last-minute lifeline” for his Bafana career and World Cup hopes.
“Every player is pushing hard for the World Cup and I am glad to be part of it again. I am prepared to step up to the plate and be counted,” said the tall central defender.
Fransman is set to partner SuperSport United skipper Bongani Khumalo at the heart of the defence against Namibia. Khumalo, a cultured defender and strong leader, played a huge part in SuperSport winning the Absa Premiership for the third successive season.
Khumalo is a last minute replacement after his United teammate Morgan Gould, withdrew with an ankle injury.
Khumalo, Fransman, Carnell and Moon will form a new defence and will be determined to be rock solid and convince Parreira they have
plenty to offer in June when Bafana face Mexico, Uruguay and France in Group A.
Botes, his Stars teammate and solid defender Sydney Plaatjies, plus Maritzburg United midfielder Rudolf Bester, are the key players for the Warriors.
But none of the above can be classified as world beaters or even big stars in the PSL. The trio are honest journeymen who will rise to the occasion and make it as tough as possible for Bafana. — Sapa