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NEW LEADER: Bongani Khumalo

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Igesund said his entire squad — both players in the local Premiership and those plying their trade overseas — were involved in fixtures for their clubs over the next couple of days.

“I’m holding thumbs, and it’s very much a case of no news being good news for me as far as the issue of possible injuries is concerned,” he said.

The Bafana coach said he had meticuously assembled a squad that was free of injuries for the international friendly in Poland and another fixture against Kenya in Nairobi the following week.

“It is now in the lap of the gods as to whether all the players will come through their club matches without any mishaps,” he said.

“We even went as far as checking out the fitness of several players — among them Teko Modise — who have missed their club matches recently.

“Those who did not come out of the test with flying colours were sidelined.” 

Igesund said he had compiled a list of stand-bye players in case of any last-minute withdrawals and the players’ clubs had been informed of their names.

“It’s like walking on a tightrope, and I’ll be greatly relieved if the weekend passes and we emerge with a clean slate as far as injuries are concerned.”

Igesund also confirmed that he had been informed of former captain Steven Pienaar’s retirement from international competion less that 24 hours before the squad was announced on Tuesday. “Safa received the news from Pienaar at 5pm on Monday,” he said. “Up to that point, I had him pencilled in among the selected players — and also as the captain.” 

Igesund did not believe the loss of the Everton midfielder was a train smash.

“No player is indispensible,” he said. “We regret his departure but I have a great deal of belief in the players I have chosen.” 

Igesund said he also had full confidence in new captain Bongani Khumalo.

“He has all the qualities and the right temperament to be the leader and I could not ask for a better choice for the job.” 

Comments

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Thu Jun 20 10:25:54 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 5, 2012

MrLBF

Bafana will succeed without Pienaar
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Oct 5, 2012

Papage

What hapenned to Simphiwe Shabalala, was he not good enough to lead the Team?
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Oct 5, 2012

2shy2call

I you are worried about injuries then tell them to be ditjuzana when entering the ground.
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Oct 5, 2012

CumFast

@Papage

U Lekhosi ne....I know you Chiefs fans think their players have a right to everything....
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Oct 5, 2012

Phuphethakatha

Bafana will be hard to beat without Pienaar, hope he does not change his mind even when he warms the bench at Everton. When that day comes he will change his tune...
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Oct 5, 2012

Phuphethakatha

@Papage
What hapenned to Simphiwe Shabalala, was he not good enough to lead the Team?
*************
Rotation maybe?
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