International Friendly

Bafana Bafana v Spain

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

FNB Stadium, Soweto

Kickoff: 21:00

Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana Captain Itumeleng Khune, has expressed optimism ahead of the much anticipated clash between Bafana Bafana and the European and World Champions, Spain.

“We will be giving it our all. We know that they are a great side. This is an opportunity for us to showcase our talents against the reigning Champs of World football.

We will go out there to impress our fans. Playing on home soil must make them feel like visitors on the pitch. The fans must come in their numbers to support us. Obviously, we know it will be a challenge but we trust our abilities and we should do well,” said the recently named 2013 SA Sports Star of the Year.

Khune expressed his gratitude to the soccer loving fraternity; “Hard work pays, but I never would have won this award if it wasn’t for the help of my teammates, coaches and most importantly, the fans who have supported me every step of the way.”

Bafana has played three times against Spain, playing second fiddle with three losses. Spain has put eight goals past Bafana Bafana. Three of the goals went past Andre Arendse in 2002. Khune was on the receiving end when Spain beat Bafana Bafana 2-0 in the Confederations Cup Group A in 2009. Bafana Bafana gave Coach Del Bosque’s squad a scare in the Confederations Cup third place play-off in 2009. Bafana Bafana lost 3-2 after extra time.

Kaizer Chiefs trio Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Itumeleng Khune will be relishing the opportunity to line up against ‘The Red Fury’. The trio have played twice against the World Champs previously in the Confederations Cup in 2009 and their experience should help the Bafana Bafana. Tsepo Masilela was withdrawn from the squad due to injury.