adminSOWETO, South Africa. — Upbeat South Africa are confident of becoming only the second country this year to defeat world soccer champions Spain when they meet in a friendly tonight.
“We should not underestimate ourselves,” stressed coach Gordon Igesund ahead of the match at the 90 000-seat Soccer City stadium in Soweto, where Spain defeated the Netherlands 1-0 to win the 2010 World Cup.
“South Africa can defend, keep the ball, knock it around, and entertain —our objective is to win this match,” he told reporters. “I am telling the nation that we are going to be competitive against Spain. This match will reveal how far we have come since I took over.” Igesund succeeded sacked Pitso Mosimane in September last year, promising a dramatic improvement in the results of under-achieving Bafana Bafana (The Boys).
But 12 victories, three draws and nine losses later, he remains in charge despite failing to reach either of the targets set by the national football association. — AFP.
Online Reporter