The captain of the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, Itumeleng Khune, has called on his team mates to win the Nelson Mandela Challenge against the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Wednesday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium to honour former President Mandela.
Bafana will play the reigning African champions in what should be an interesting clash at their favourite spot in Durban. Khune said it would not be acceptable to lose match for the second year running. Last year they succumbed to 2012 African champions Zambia at the FNB Stadium.
Khune said the players have a “huge responsibility to bring joy on Madiba’s face.” The former President has been in hospital for the past two months and his health has been described as “critical but stable.”
The locals arrived in Durban on Monday morning and headed for some social responsibility commitments before addressing the media on their preparations. Only two players are yet to arrive in camp. Defender Anele Ngcongca and striker Tokelo Rantie are scheduled to arrive on Tuesday afternoon, while defender Bevan Fransman has been excused from camp as his wife has gone into labour.
Meanwhile, coach Gordon Igesund stressed the importance of the game, saying it was a “huge game” as Bafana always want to win against the Super Eagles. He said the match would also serve as preparation for their 2014 World Cup qualifier against Botswana next month.
With regards to withdrawals, Igesund said he factored that into his initial 28-man squad. He said there would always be players pulling out through injuries.
