Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has predicted that the Nelson Mandela Challenge Cup tie between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana on August 14 will be a tough one.
Speaking on Tuesday, Igesund praised Coach Stephen Keshi’s squad and noted that playing the team would be a tough challenge but said the match would be useful to South Africa’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
“If you look at Nigeria, they have very good players and most of them play overseas, which shows this is not going to be an easy match. But at the same time it is a good challenge for our players having to face the two sides.
“It gives us great preparation for our crucial Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Botswana next month,” Igesund said.
Meanwhile, Igesund has released a list of players that will tackle Nigeria and Burkina Faso in the championship set for the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
The 28-man squad list which was announced on the official website of the South African Football Association (SAFA) on Tuesday included Luyolo Nomandela (Free State Stars) and Bongani Zungu (Mamelodi Sundowns).
Goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands has also been included alongside Itumeleng Khune and Senzo Meyiwa.
Andile Jali (Orlando Pirates) and Innocent Mdledle (Supersport United) make a return after long absence from the national team, while Tshepo Masilela (Kaizer Chiefs) and Thabo Matlaba (Orlando Pirates) have recovered from their injuries.
The Bafana Bafana head has also rewarded some of the players who did duty in the 2013 COSAFA Cup tournament in Zambia where Bafana Bafana finished a credible third with mostly unrecognised players.
The five are defenders Tshepo Gumede (Platinum Stars), Buhle Mkhwanazi (Tuks), Thulani Hlatshwayo (Ajax Cape Town), midfield strongman Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns), and striker Lebogang Manyama (Ajax Cape Town).
In a related vein, SAFA has released the names of officials that will officiate in the upcoming Nelson Mandela Challenge in Durban and the Nelson Mandela Sports Day in Johannesburg.
The match between Bafana and Eagles will be handled by Zimbabwean referee, Ruzive Ruzive who will be assisted by Abraham Manda and Edgar Rumeck. South Africa’s Victor Hlungwani will be the fourth official.
The same officials will again take charge of the 17 August match between Bafana Bafana and Burkina Faso while Kulasande Qongqo will work as the fourth official.