Bafana manager off to inspect Nigerian conditions

Bafana Bafana team manager Sipho Nkumane left today on a fact finding mission to the central Nigerian city of Abuja.

He will not only inspect the condition of the pitch on which they face the Nigerian Super Eagles in the opening 2010 African Nations Cup qualifier in Abuja on June 1 but will also examine the tough local conditions expected. Nkumane said before his flight to Nigeria he will be looking at accommodation and training facilities. He is leaving no stone unturned in making what promises to be a difficult match as comfortable as possible for the players.

There is no love lost between Bafana and the Super Eagles. The rivalry goes back to 1996 when due to politics, Nigeria withdrew their side from the African Nations Cup and Bafana went on to win the trophy on home soil. Then Bafana notched their first win over Nigeria at home when they defeated the Super Eagles 2-1 in the 2004 Nelson Mandela Challenge at Ellis Park. Nigeria had sour grapes afterwards claiming they fielded a weak side against Bafana.

New coach Santana arrival date
But said Nkumane: "We know there is a history between ourselves and Nigeria. That is why we want to make sure we prepare the ground properly." To make matters more difficult for the Bafana manager is the fact that new coach Joel Santana has not confirmed his arrival date. The Brazilian is expected to arrive at the end of the week. But said Nkumane: "It is a tough baptism for the new manager. I can only make travel arrangements for the players once he is here. Fortunately we have no major injury worries with our overseas or local players."

Brazilian Santana takes over the reins from countryman Carlos Alberto Parreira who shocked the nation when he resigned last month due to the ill health of his wife. Said Nkumane: "It is going to be a tough month for the new coach as we have four back-to-back qualifiers in June." Bafana host Equatorial Guinea at Atteridgeville's Super Stadium on June 7 followed by an away clash against Sierra Leone on June 14 in Gambia and then it is back to the Super Stadium on June 21 where Bafana host Equatorial Guinea. - Sapa