Durban – Bafana Bafana used their practice match against provincial Vodacom League side, Baroka FC, to assess the team’s progress since assembling for camp last week.
The South African national side scored five goals at the Royal Marang Sports Complex on Saturday, while Baroka FC failed to find the net.
The match was part of Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their upcoming 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt, which will be played next Sunday (June 5) at the Cairo Military Academy Stadium.
Bhongolethu Jayiya, one of the four additional players that joined Bafana Bafana this week, scored a hat-trick, while midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and striker Bernard Parker also netted a goal each.
Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane had also requested that Lehlohonolo Majoro, Sifiso Myeni and Punch Masenamela join the training camp.
Defender Siboniso Gaxa said the match was a good exercise to determine what else needed to be done before the all important Egypt clash.
“We wanted to fine-tune ourselves ahead of the all-important clash against Egypt next weekend and we are all aware it’s going to be a difficult one. They are under pressure to do well and have everything to lose so we must create chances and take them,” said Gaxa.
Youngster George Maluleka said he was benefiting from the experience of the senior side.
“I had a great season with my team Ajax Cape Town, and this week … coach [Mosimane] has been telling me to stick to the basics and everything else will follow. I am learning a lot from other experienced players who are here in the national team, so it’s really exciting for me to be here. We have been preparing very hard for the next game,” said Maluleka.
Not short of confidence, the under-23 national player said he was looking forward to the game.
“I have seen Egypt play and I believe they are vulnerable at the back with a slow defence. I think after our last match, where we beat them one-nil here at home, they are more worried about us. They know what we are capable of and will come very prepared for us, so it should be an interesting match which I am looking forward to,” said Maluleka. – Kemantha Govender, BuaNews
