Unchanged squad for Bafana
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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira on Thursday night "declared war" on Mexico on the eve of their opening historic 2010 World Cup Group A showdown at Soccer City on Friday. Kick-off is at 16:00.
Said Parreira: "Playing in the opening match of the World Cup is special. But out there on Friday against Mexico it will be a battle, no make that a war and we are ready for it."
Parreira who will be coaching at his sixth World Cup said that Bafana were ready to make the country proud.
Parreira played open cards with the media at his final press conference ahead of the clash against Mexico by announcing his starting X1 against Mexico.
Said Parreira: "I will start with the same 11 that beat Denmark 1-0 (at the Super Stadium) last Saturday."
Parreira said: "I am more than satisfied with the side that started against Denmark so there is no need to change. I am confident we can deliver the goods."
Parreira said he will give one piece of important information to his players before the leave the dressingroom on Friday afternoon: "My message to them will be to go out and enjoy the game."
Skipper Mokoena said that Parreira had given Bafana back their self belief since he took charge of the side last November: "We are more relaxed, much fitter and hungrier. This is a big game of our country.
We know we have to go out there and get a result. But the coach has made it easy for us by keeping the pressure off us and keeping us relaxed. He has had experience of being in this position a number of times and that experience has been a great help to us in the build-up to this match."
The Portsmouth defender added that he had plenty of respect for Mexico especially their three pronged attack: "They have pace and skill. They are going to be a handful but we can cope. We are going to give it a go and make it really difficult for Mexico. The talking is over now it is time for us to do get out there and show the country what we are made of."
The fact that only three overseas based players, Mokoena, Pienaar of Everton and Fulham anchorman Dikgacoi are starting the match is testimony to the faith he places on his local based players who he knocked into shape in the three training camps during 2010.
Parreira said he and the players were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support on Wednesday when hundreds of thousands of fans took to the streets of Sandton to cheer on the players in a pre-tournament open bus parade.
"South Africans are similar to Brazilians when it comes to soccer.
The people are in love with Bafana players. They are all celebrities. It was incredible and we are grateful to the nation.
Now it is our turn to deliver."Parreira said.
Mexican coach Javier Aguirre was almost arrogant in his dismissal of Bafana fans off the field celebrations: "I don't care what the opposition does in their spare time. It does not concern me."
The former Mexican star added that his players were too experienced to suffer stage fright in front of a capacity 94 000 crowd of mainly Bafana supporters.
Aguirre said: "We did not come here to make friends but to beat South Africa in the opening match. This is a once in a lifetime match being part of the opening World Cup gamer and the players must enjoy the moment."
The Bafana starting line-up:
Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Aaron Mokoena (captain), Bongani Khumalo, Lucas Thwala, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Teko Modise, Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, and Katlego Mphela.
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