Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Joel Santana, Bafana Bafana coach, yesterday promised South Africans more celebrations in Polokwane next week as part of the Confederations Cup preparations.
At a media briefing to name the team to play Chile at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, Santana pointed out that he is a subscriber to the word "consistency".
This was after former laughing stock Bafana Bafana beat Zambia 1-0 in Atteridgeville last week to register their fifth win on the trot.
"This is the type of game we need to test ourselves. I am confident we can keep the winning momentum going. I am looking for consistency," said Santana.
The Brazilian said the game against Chile will give his technical staff an idea of their readiness for the "Festival of Champions".
"Chile is a team that I know very well because they are also from South America. They are a strong side and they fight a lot, that is why we went for such a strong team.
"This will be a good test for us as the technical staff to see where do we stand as part of the Confederations Cup preparations."
On the return of Steven Pienaar, Santana said they were happy that the Transnet Football School of Excellence product had fully recovered from injury.
"He has been doing well at Everton [in the English Premier League], playing well in his position. We think he is ready to play for Bafana Bafana."
On the fitness of players such as Lance Davids, MacBeth Sibaya and Matthew Booth, Santana said the technical team will make a decision after consulting with the players.
"That is why we have selected a big squad of 24 players for the game against Chile in case there are problems with certain players."
Bafana Bafana manager Sipho Nkumane said the team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday morning, but train at Seshego Stadium on the same day at 5.30pm.
Chile, who were reluctant to play in Limpopo due to the outbreak of cholera, will only arrive in Polokwane on Tuesday night.
They land in South Africa on Sunday.
Santana ready to roast Chile
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Ramatsiyi Moholoa
Joel Santana, Bafana Bafana coach, yesterday promised South Africans more celebrations in Polokwane next week as part of the Confederations Cup preparations.
At a media briefing to name the team to play Chile at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Wednesday, Santana pointed out that he is a subscriber to the word "consistency".
This was after former laughing stock Bafana Bafana beat Zambia 1-0 in Atteridgeville last week to register their fifth win on the trot.
"This is the type of game we need to test ourselves. I am confident we can keep the winning momentum going. I am looking for consistency," said Santana.
The Brazilian said the game against Chile will give his technical staff an idea of their readiness for the "Festival of Champions".
"Chile is a team that I know very well because they are also from South America. They are a strong side and they fight a lot, that is why we went for such a strong team.
"This will be a good test for us as the technical staff to see where do we stand as part of the Confederations Cup preparations."
On the return of Steven Pienaar, Santana said they were happy that the Transnet Football School of Excellence product had fully recovered from injury.
"He has been doing well at Everton [in the English Premier League], playing well in his position. We think he is ready to play for Bafana Bafana."
On the fitness of players such as Lance Davids, MacBeth Sibaya and Matthew Booth, Santana said the technical team will make a decision after consulting with the players.
"That is why we have selected a big squad of 24 players for the game against Chile in case there are problems with certain players."
Bafana Bafana manager Sipho Nkumane said the team will assemble in Johannesburg on Monday morning, but train at Seshego Stadium on the same day at 5.30pm.
Chile, who were reluctant to play in Limpopo due to the outbreak of cholera, will only arrive in Polokwane on Tuesday night.
They land in South Africa on Sunday.