Bafana Bafana scored five goals without reply from Baroka FC in a practice match played at the Royal Marang Sports Complex on Saturday, 28 May 2011. The match was part of Bafana Bafana’s preparations for their upcoming 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt which will be played on Sunday, 05 June 2011 at the Cairo Military Academy Stadium.
Kick-off is at 20h30. The match was played in two halves of sixty minutes each, giving South Africa’s head coach Pitso Mosimane the chance to see what progress his side has made since assembling for camp on Monday, 23 May 2011. Midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane and striker Bernard Parker scored in the first hour, while the second hour belonged to forward Bhongolethu Jayiya, who grabbed a hatrick. Jayiya is one of the four additional players that Mosimane had requested to train with Bafana Bafana for this week. The others are Lehlohonolo Majoro, Sifiso Myeni and Punch Masenamela.
“It was a good exercise which helped all of us especially those who haven’t been playing in a while since the end of the league season.” It was also crucial for the coach to see what progress has been made since the beginning of the week and what still needs to be done. “We wanted to fine-tune ourselves ahead of the all-important clash against Egypt next weekend and we are all aware it’s going to be a difficult one. They are under pressure to do well and have everything to lose so we must create chances and take them,” said defender Siboniso Gaxa.
Youngster George Maluleka was one of the additional players before the first clash against Egypt, and now he is part of the Bafana Bafana travelling squad. He is also a regular for the South African National Under 23 team.
“I had a great season with my team Ajax Cape Town, and this week Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has been telling me to stick to the basics and everything else will follow. I am learning a lot from other experienced players who are here in the national team, so it’s really exciting for me to be here. We have been preparing very hard for the next game. I have seen Egypt play and I believe they are vulnerable at the back with a slow defence. I think after our last match where we beat them one nil here at home, they are more worried about us. They know what we are capable of and will come very prepared for us, so it should be an interesting match which I am looking forward to,” said Maluleka.
