Igesund to field young guns for Stallions
Bafana Bafana have completed their preparations ahead of the Nelson Mandela Sport and Cultural Day match against Burkina Faso with coach Gordon Igesund saying he will try out youngsters in the encounter.
The Bafana Bafana/Burkinabe match is scheduled to take place tomorrow at 13h30 at the FNB Stadium.
In a day of cultural extravaganza, the international encounter will have been preceded by a friendly match between South African Masters and their Italian counterparts.
Later in the day there will be a rugby test match between South Africa and Argentina.
In the Nelson Mandela Challenge clash against Nigeria in Durban last Wednesday (14 August), Igesund gave debut appearances to Luyolo Nomandela and Lebogang Manyama in a match Bafana lost 2-0.
More new faces could be fielded against Burkina Faso as the coach continues to build the side for the future.
“In the Mandela Challenge against Nigeria, I used youngsters and there was an outcry when we lost. But these two matches are about progress and giving the young players an opportunity to see if they can rise to the occasion,” said Igesund.“Our ultimate aim is to win against Botswana in the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup match next month. We have to trust in the players and believe in them.“They will make mistakes, but what is important is that we are progressing to the next level. I could have left the youngsters out and gone for players like Darren Keet, May Mahlangu, Ayanda Patosi, Daylon Claasen, Thulani Serero, Siyanda Xulu and Dino Ndlovu, among others – but if we do that, when will these local youngsters get a chance? So yes, tomorrow you will see a different team comprising lots of youngsters.”
The Bafana Bafana mentor was adamant though that he was still looking for positive results despite giving a chance to new faces.
“It would be nice for them to perform well and also win the match because football fans want to see a winning team. The main idea is to give these players a chance now. They will not get a chance against Botswana in a World Cup qualifier if we don’t see them now,” reasoned Igesund.
Defender Bevan Fransman has joined up with his compatriots in camp after he missed out on the Nigeria match due to personal matters.
(File Photo:Gallo Images)
- ECR Sportswave