GORDON Igesund rebuffed any concerns over the withdrawals of Tsepo Masilela and Siyabonga Sangweni from the Bafana Bafana squad for Saturday's 2014 World Cup qualifier, saying he felt the squad was strong enough for the challenge of the Central African Republic.
Orlando Pirates defender Sangweni became the second player to pull out of the original squad after suffering a reoccurrence of his troublesome knee injury during weekend training.
Masilela has a knee cartilage problem that might need surgery.
Mulomowandau Mathoho and Tebogo Langerman have been called up in their stead, with Igesund insisting the pair are more than capable replacements.
Speaking at a press conference in Cape Town yesterday, he said: 'It's unfortunate we have lost both Siya and Tsepo, but that happens in football. But I think the squad has enough quality to provide cover for their absence. I think (new call-up) Siyanda Xulu adds value and Thabo Nthethe has proven how solid he is. I've got the necessary coverage in all areas.
"Obviously, I must say it's disappointing to lose players but there is no point mopping about it. We've got to overcome these obstacles."
Igesund said Cape Town Stadium, where a 45 000 crowd is expected by municipal authorities, would prove difficult for the visitors from Bangui.
"There are very few teams, at club and national team level, that ever come away from Cape Town with anything. This is a tough place to play.
"The players enjoyed it down here last time and the stadium is ideal with a slick surface and a wide pitch which we hope will stretch our opponents," the coach said.
Igesund added that he had studied videos of the Central African Republic's shock win over Egypt last June and their match against Burkina Faso in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
"We are not going to underestimate them, they have a tough physical team. It is a lot easier these days with modern technology to be able to study these teams.
"This is obviously a game we have to win because we are in a tricky situation in the group, but I'm confident in my players. There is a really good vibe around the squad."
The squad will be completed today by the arrival of Xulu from Russia, Dino Ndlovu from Israel and May Mahlangu from Sweden. "They all played on Sunday, so they are still travelling," explained the coach.
Igesund unfazed by withdrawals
GORDON Igesund rebuffed any concerns over the withdrawals of Tsepo Masilela and Siyabonga Sangweni from the Bafana Bafana squad for Saturday's 2014 World Cup qualifier, saying he felt the squad was strong enough for the challenge of the Central African Republic.
Orlando Pirates defender Sangweni became the second player to pull out of the original squad after suffering a reoccurrence of his troublesome knee injury during weekend training.
Masilela has a knee cartilage problem that might need surgery.
Mulomowandau Mathoho and Tebogo Langerman have been called up in their stead, with Igesund insisting the pair are more than capable replacements.
Speaking at a press conference in Cape Town yesterday, he said: 'It's unfortunate we have lost both Siya and Tsepo, but that happens in football. But I think the squad has enough quality to provide cover for their absence. I think (new call-up) Siyanda Xulu adds value and Thabo Nthethe has proven how solid he is. I've got the necessary coverage in all areas.
"Obviously, I must say it's disappointing to lose players but there is no point mopping about it. We've got to overcome these obstacles."
Igesund said Cape Town Stadium, where a 45 000 crowd is expected by municipal authorities, would prove difficult for the visitors from Bangui.
"There are very few teams, at club and national team level, that ever come away from Cape Town with anything. This is a tough place to play.
"The players enjoyed it down here last time and the stadium is ideal with a slick surface and a wide pitch which we hope will stretch our opponents," the coach said.
Igesund added that he had studied videos of the Central African Republic's shock win over Egypt last June and their match against Burkina Faso in the recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
"We are not going to underestimate them, they have a tough physical team. It is a lot easier these days with modern technology to be able to study these teams.
"This is obviously a game we have to win because we are in a tricky situation in the group, but I'm confident in my players. There is a really good vibe around the squad."
The squad will be completed today by the arrival of Xulu from Russia, Dino Ndlovu from Israel and May Mahlangu from Sweden. "They all played on Sunday, so they are still travelling," explained the coach.
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