Vuvuzela South Africa

Steven Pienaar image Safa

Bafana Bafana vs Kenya is going to  be one of those matches where the boys are quick out of the starting block – according to coach Pitso Mosimane.

The encounter against the Harambee Stars will be the coach’s last chance to see his team in competitive action ahead of next month’s crucial African Nations Cup qualifier with Egypt.

Looks like Steven Pienaar is the “face” of tonight’s Bafana Bafana clash against Kenya at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium; kickoff is scheduled for 20H35.

Schillo who seems to have recovered from a head injury runs onto the pitch as vice captain and is hopeful for victory, which will put the team in the right frame of mind against Egypt next month.

Pienaar and Khumlo talk about Egypt

On the South African Football Association website, Steven Pienaar explains: “We know the importance of the game against Egypt that is why it is key that we do well against Kenya as this is the only preparation we have before we face Egypt. We can’t afford to make mistakes tomorrow night, but have to ensure that we rectify them when we play the North Africans, so tomorrow night game is very crucial to us. Many people are expecting us to win easily and this makes it a difficult match against Kenya as they will come here with nothing to lose. Every game we play we want to win, no matter the opposition, and we should take this mentality into every match,” said Pienaar.

His words were echoed by defender and teammate at Tottenham Hotspur, Bongani Khumalo.

“To many people this is just a friendly match, but for us in the team it’s more than that. It’s a big game for us and we need to make the best of it by getting positive results. We have done well by climbing high on the FIFA/Coca Cola World Rankings, so a good result will help that trend continue. Also we are preparing for Egypt so there is no motivation needed for any of the guys, we all want to be part of that squad against the reigning African champions,” said Khumalo.

What’s up in the Bafana Bafana Squad

• Kermit Erasmus had to withdraw  through injury
• With Bafana Bafana’s regular left back, Tsepo Masilela out of the team, Ruben Cloete of Orlando Pirates will be hoping for a run against Kenya, but he is aware there is strong competition for the position.Forward Sifiso Myeni is the only newcomer in the squad but will not let that distract him.
• And then there is Leeds United Striker – David Somma who is in shining form – I mean he has managed to ne 11 goals in 19 appearances for the Whites.

Image: Steven Pienaar SAFA

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