/ 6 August 2010

Tried and tested Bafana team take on Black Stars

New Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane gave an indication of his vision when he announced a 22-man squad for the international friendly match against World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana on August 11 at Soccer City.

Mosimane, for his first game in charge of the team, retained the majority of the squad that represented the country at the World Cup. “It’s important not to make a lot of changes from the France game — that is why I have kept the core of that team,” he said.

Bafana, in their last match under coach Carlos Parreira, beat Les Bleus 2-1. Kaizer Chiefs striker Sthembiso Ngcobo is the only addition to the Bafana set-up. The other four “new” names — Innocent Mdledle, Morgan Gould, Daine Klaite and Bevan Fransman — did not make the final cut for the World Cup but were involved at various stages of the build-up to the tournament.

Mosimane said that since his appointment on July 15 there had not been enough time for changes, “so we have decided to go with what we know”.

Beating former world champions France is no small thing and, given that the season has not started, there is wisdom in Mosimane opting for continuity. But he promised to bring in younger players for future engagements.

“I am aware that there are a lot of youngsters who have what it takes to be in the national team, such as Siyanda Xulu, Kermit Erasmus, Andile Jali and Dylan Claassen. They will definitely be given a chance in the coming matches,” said the Bafana coach.

The match against the Black Stars is part of Bafana Bafana’s preparations for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Mosimane’s charges kick off their campaign to qualify for the competition on September 11 with a home match against Niger.