Ramnatsiyi Moholoa

Ramnatsiyi Moholoa

Battered Bafana Bafana will play against The Black Stars of Ghana in an international friendly at Free State Stadium in Mangaung on October 15.

This was confirmed by Sipho Nkumane, Bafana Bafana manager, following discussions with the City of Mangaung 2010 World Cup chief executive George Mohlakoana.

"The municipality assured us that the stadium, which has been upgraded for the 2009 Confederations Cup and World Cup, will be ready for the game.

"We expect a full house because it is a known fact that the people of Free State province, especially Siwelele [Bloemfontein Celtic fans], are very passionate about football.

"We will be working with the municipality, Safa regional structures in the Free State and community structures to mobilise support for the game.

"The coach [Joel Santana] and his technical staff are using the game against Ghana as part of the preparations for the World Cup.

"The coach has made it clear that the plan is to play as many friendlies as possible against the best teams in the world during the Fifa dates to prepare Bafana Bafana."

Bafana Bafana will go to Mangaung on their return from Malabo where they wrap up their 2010 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against tailenders Equatorial Guinea.

South Africa, who have already missed out on qualifying for the finals in Angola after winning only one game, take on Equatorial Guinea on October 11.

Ghana - who are also likely to miss the trip to Angola - take on bottom of the table Likoena of Lesotho on the same day in Kumasi.

Ghana are third in Group 5 with nine points from five games. They have the same number of points as second-placed Gabon.

Libya are topping the group with 12 points, while Lesotho still have to get a point. Prior to going Malabo, Bafana Bafana take on Malawi in a warm-up match at Germiston Stadium on September 30.

Nkumane said the team to play Malawi will be named on Monday. Santana has made it clear that he will select players from the Premier Soccer League for that game.