BAFANA Bafana will show improvement when they host Burkina Faso in the Nelson Mandela Sport and Cultural Day at the FNB Stadium tomorrow (1.30pm). That was the promise of Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund who was reflecting on Bafana’s 2-0 loss to African champions Nigeria in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge played at Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday. He said: “We were beaten by a better side on the night. They are not the champions of Africa for nothing. We gave the ball away too cheaply and lost possession easily. “We really lost in the final third where didn’t take our chances. But the better side won. We were not outplayed and have learnt from this experience. “It is only by playing top sides like Nigeria and Burkina Faso that Bafana will improve.” The Burkina Faso friendly is part of an historic double header, which also features the Springboks against Argentina later at 5pm at the same venue. Igesund said Burkina Faso would be another tough test. The Stallions were runners-up to the Super Eagles in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations played in Mzansi in February. Igesund will be without his two overseas players - Doncaster Rovers midfielder Dean Furman and Swedish based striker Tokelo Rantie - who rejoined their respective clubs yesterday. Igesund said he would use the game to give the likes of strikers Luyolo Nomandela, Lebogang Manyama and midfielder Bongani Zungu international experience. Said Igesund: “Some times like in the case of Nigeria and Burkina Faso, we have to be prepared to lose a game to learn. “We’ve learnt some valuable lessons.” Igesund is down to a squad of 20 locally based players, but The Stallions will also not have their overseas based stars due to club commitments both at home and in Europe. Said Igesund: “These two games are a prefect preparation for our vital 2014 World Cup qualifier against Botswana (in Durban on 7 September). Bafana have to win their final qualifier and hope Group A leaders Ethiopia lose to Central Africa Republic (CAR) to give Bafana the chance to go forward to the last round of World Cup qualifiers. CAR will host Ethiopia at a neutral venue at Congo Brazzaville which might give Sewnet Bishaw’s charges an opportunity to win and dent SA’s dream. By: BILLY COOPER
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 13:53:48 +0000