United States' head coach Bob Bradley is confident he has not underestimated Bafana Bafana in selecting an inexperienced squad for the Nelson Mandela Challenge on Wednesday night.
“The last thing I would do is underestimate Bafana,” said Bradley, who has selected only five players who were in his World Cup squad.
“I watched their last two matches after the World Cup finals 1/8against Ghana and Niger 3/8 and how well the team is progressing under coach Pitso Mosimane.
“But, I am building for the future and need to use this game to look at what we have coming through the ranks. In the short term I am rebuilding a side to play and win the Gold Cup in the US next year.”
The Gold Cup is the US equivalent of the African Nations Cup. The winner qualifies for the Confederations Cup in 2011.
“We won the Gold Cup in 2007 and then reached the final of the Confederations Cup in South Africa in 2009,” said Bradley. The US were beaten in the final by Brazil.
The match on Wednesday night is sold out. It will be Bafana
Bafana's first game in Cape Town since they lost 3-1 to Zambia in 2007.
“The fact the match is sold out is fantastic. There will be a tremendous atmosphere. I know all about the passion that the South African players have for Bafana and the passion shown by the fans and of course the noise of the vuvuzelas,” said Bradley. This is his fourth trip to South Africa.
“We are really excited to be here and be playing in this prestigious match that honours a great world statesman 1/8former president 3/8 Nelson Mandela, who we have the greatest respect for.
“That is one of the main reasons we are here and that is to honour this great South African.”
Bradley said he knew all about South Africa's latest acquisition, Leeds United striker Davide Somma, and how well he was doing at his British Club.
Somma, who is set to earn his first cap for South Africa, is aggrieved that the US did not show any interest in him.
“... The bottom line is he is not eligible at this stage to play for the US as he does not have a US passport,” he said.
Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan said that there was no such thing as a friendly international.
“No matter when you pull on your national jersey you want to perform at the highest level and that is how we will tackle Bafana,” he said.
“All the players are excited and looking forward to this match.”
The US Football Federation has donated R1-million to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund, which is the main beneficiary of the annual friendly international. -
Sapa