Bafana ready for Japan

BAFANA Bafana are prepared to put their bodies on the line to beat Japan when the countries meet in a friendly international at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium tomorrow. Kick-off is at 15h30.

That was the message from Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena yesterday as the new revitalised national team now under head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira get ready to wipe away the disappointing past few months where Bafana lost eight of their last nine matches which resulted in then coach Joel Santana getting the boot. ‘We know what is at stake with the World Cup just seven months away. There is a new spirit in the camp and we aim to get out there against Japan and battle and do whatever it takes to get us back on track,’ said Mokoena.’The past is history and we are not dwelling on it. We are looking forward and we believe we can surprise Japan who I rate as a fantastic side. I accept that it will be difficult and take an extra special effort to win. But we are prepared to do just that.’ Parreira, who replaced Santana last month, said the match against Japan signals a new beginning for Bafana. ‘Time is going quickly and preparation is vital to me with the World Cup just around the corner. Playing Japan will give us much-needed experience of playing against a side with a style we have never encountered before.’Parreira praised Japan who have already qualified for the 2010 showpiece and which he reckons will be do well at the World Cup finals.’We have to play to our strengths which are skill and composure. We are facing a side that plays high-tempo soccer combined with good mobility. It will be an interesting game between teams with completely different styles and approaches to the game,’ the national coach said. – Nampa-Sapa