Bafana raring to go in Algeria

Bafana Bafana departed for Algeria yesterday ahead of their participation in the FIFA Series international friendlies pilot project.

Coach Hugo Broos had to make a couple of changes from the 23-member squad he announced a few days ago, with Siyanda Xulu and Thabang Monare replacing Siyabonga Ngezana and Sphephelo Sithole. Sithole was ruled out through injury, while Ngezana was withdrawn due to travel difficulties in Romania.

Broos travelled with 15 players, with the Mamelodi Sundowns and Supersport United contingent set to link up with the rest of the team in Algeria a day later.

Sundowns played in a Nedbank Cup match against Maritzburg United last evening, while United were away to Richards Bay at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, Durban.

The FIFA Series will run from today to next week Tuesday and Broos views the event as an opportunity to start planning for the future.

The Africa Cup of Nations Bronze medalists play the first match against Andorra at the 19 May 1956 Stadium in Annaba, Algeria, on Thursday. They then face the hosts Algeria at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers next Tuesday, before returning home on the following day.

It also appears that Broos has also had a meeting with Premier Soccer League chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, which he has desired to have had since his arrival in the country. Khoza and Broos were both present at the SAFA National Executive Committee meeting in Sandton this past week.