South Africa face African champions Nigeria at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with coach Gordon Igesund expecting a close game. Photo: Lefty Shivambu / Gallo Images
Bevan Fransman will miss Bafana Bafana’s friendly international against Nigeria this week, while Anele Ngcongca and Tokelo Rantie still have to arrive for the Durban clash, coach Gordon Igesund stated yesterday.
SuperSport United captain Fransman has been given time off until Thursday, a day after the Nelson Mandela Challenge, to be with his wife for the birth of their child.
Belgium-based defender Ngcongca and striker Rantie, who plays in Sweden, are expected to arrive in camp on Tuesday morning.
South Africa face the African champions at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, before taking on Burkina Faso in a Nelson Mandela Sport and Culture Day clash at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Both matches would give the national coach some much-needed game time ahead of a crucial World Cup qualifier against Botswana.
“It’s obviously preparing for the game against Botswana, that’s the big picture, but this game is also important,” Igesund said in Durban on Monday.
“I would like my team to go out there and beat Nigeria. I think we’re capable of doing that.
“We need to send a message to the rest of world that we are progressing. Nigeria have a quality team, but equally, I believe we also have a quality team.
“I expect the game to be tight, with just one goal separating the two sides.” – Sapa
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