JAPAN are in South Africa on a two-pronged mission.
JAPAN are in South Africa on a two-pronged mission.
The three-time Asian champions are here to learn more about South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup finals and to spoil Bafana Bafana's celebration of their new home jersey.
Japan , who are ranked 40th in the world, will also be unveiling their new jersey for the World Cup in tomorrow's international friendly at the new Nelson Mandela Sports Complex in Port Elizabeth. Kickoff is at 3.30pm .
Japan coach Takeshi Okada has warned that they were not in the country for a holiday, but to embarrass the hosts in front of their fans.
Okada has also welcomed the opportunity to visit South Africa before the World Cup finals.
"Playing in South Africa (will) boost our mentality for the 2010 World Cup next year. When we come back here we will know about your environment here," he said.
Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said they were eager to start a new chapter.
"For me the first thing is to bring confidence back in the team. It will be a big plus for us to beat Japan, who have shown professionalism by coming here early," he said.
Unlike his predecessor and compatriot Joel Santana, who used three defensive midfielders, Parreira is expected to go for a more attacking option.
The in-form Moeneeb Josephs should start between the poles, with Tsepo Masilela operating on the left and Anele Ngconga on the right.
Morgan Gould selects himself to partner Mokoena in the heart of defence. Kagisho Dikgacoi and MacBeth Sibaya should be the two defensive midfielders, with Elrio van Heerden and Teko Modise on the wings. Benni McCarthy is an automatic choice upfront where he will be partnered by Katlego Mphela.
Japan going for it
JAPAN are in South Africa on a two-pronged mission.
JAPAN are in South Africa on a two-pronged mission.
The three-time Asian champions are here to learn more about South Africa ahead of the 2010 World Cup finals and to spoil Bafana Bafana's celebration of their new home jersey.
Japan , who are ranked 40th in the world, will also be unveiling their new jersey for the World Cup in tomorrow's international friendly at the new Nelson Mandela Sports Complex in Port Elizabeth. Kickoff is at 3.30pm .
Japan coach Takeshi Okada has warned that they were not in the country for a holiday, but to embarrass the hosts in front of their fans.
Okada has also welcomed the opportunity to visit South Africa before the World Cup finals.
"Playing in South Africa (will) boost our mentality for the 2010 World Cup next year. When we come back here we will know about your environment here," he said.
Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said they were eager to start a new chapter.
"For me the first thing is to bring confidence back in the team. It will be a big plus for us to beat Japan, who have shown professionalism by coming here early," he said.
Unlike his predecessor and compatriot Joel Santana, who used three defensive midfielders, Parreira is expected to go for a more attacking option.
The in-form Moeneeb Josephs should start between the poles, with Tsepo Masilela operating on the left and Anele Ngconga on the right.
Morgan Gould selects himself to partner Mokoena in the heart of defence. Kagisho Dikgacoi and MacBeth Sibaya should be the two defensive midfielders, with Elrio van Heerden and Teko Modise on the wings. Benni McCarthy is an automatic choice upfront where he will be partnered by Katlego Mphela.
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