Igesund makes injury enforced change for Chan
Mokeke is expected to join up with his compatriots tonight (Monday, 6 January 2014) at their base camp in Cape Town as he is based in the Mother City.
“Ï am very happy I now have a full squad to work with. Thato is a young and very good player. We have been keeping an eye on him for quite some time and I believe he will add to the competitiveness within the squad. “We also need to thank coach Muhsin Ertugral and every Ajax staff member for the cooperation in assisting with the release of the player. Now the focus will be on the playing field as we continue with our preparations,” said Igesund.
Mokeke will have his first training session with the squad on Tuesday, 7 January 2014.
Meanwhile, Igesund had a chance to work out with the full compliment of his team for the first time in wet Cape Town conditions on Monday afternoon following the arrival in camp of the Kaizer Chiefs quartet of Tefu Mashamaite, Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Itumeleng Khune as well as Moeneeb Josephs of Bidvest Wits.
”Today is the first time I was able to work with the full squad and the vibe is very good. I am very pleased. Now we can focus on the job at hand. It’s now all systems go,” added Igesund who again praised all and sundry for the support he has received in the release of the players to the national team.
“I am very humbled by the support I got from people of South Africa including the entire SAFA executive headed by President, Dr Danny Jordaan and CEO, Dennis Mumble. “I also want to thank all clubs that released their players especially Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns considering their respective positions on the league log. That was a huge sacrifice. To coaches Stuart Baxter and Pitso Mosimane; your patriotism is unflinching.”
Igesund said the team was going into the tournament with their spirits sky high knowing the entire country was behind them. “It is a good feeling; great feeling to know 50 million South Africans are behind us,” he concluded.
(File photo:Gallo Images)
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