Igesund: Size doesn't count

Gordon Igesund says “size does not count” with Bafana Bafana’s style of play, ahead of the Nelson Mandela Challenge against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

The match is set for Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday, kick-off 8.15pm.

20 of the 23-man squad arrived in Durban today.
Sweden-based striker Tokelo Rantie and Genk defender Anele Ngconga will only join the team on Tuesday morning.
SuperSport United captain Bevan Fransman will not play against the Super Eagles, he was excused by Igesund owing to his wife going into labour.
He will join the team on Thursday ahead of the clash against Burkina Faso.
“It’s going to be a great test for us. I want to go out there and beat Nigeria. I think we are capable of doing that,” Igesund says.

“I think we need to send a message to the rest of the world. We are progressing.”

Igesund says he was not worried about the physical threat posed by Stephen Keshi’s team.
“The type of football we play it does not matter how big you are. It’s about agility and how you move you the ball. Yes, Nigeria are big and strong, but it won’t be noticed in the game.”
Igesund adds he feels he is lucky to have the core of his squad intact ahead of the game.
“Most of the players that I have in the squad have been here before. They still have the form, they are playing well and they know our philosophy,” he says.
Updated squad
Goalkeepers:
Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs)
Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders:
Mulomowandau Mathoho (Kaizer Chiefs)
Tshepo Gumede (Platinum Stars)
Thabo Nthethe (Bloemfontein Celtic)
Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium)*
Bevan Fransman (SuperSport United)*
Tsepo Masilela (Kaizer Chiefs)
Marc van Heerden (AmaZulu)
Buhle Mkhwanazi (University of Pretoria)
Thulani Hlatshwayo (Ajax Cape Town)
Midfielders:
Hlompho Kekana (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Dean Furman (Doncaster Rovers, Championship, England)*
Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs)
David Mathebula (SuperSport United)
Bongani Zungu (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Thuso Phala (SuperSport United)
Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs)
Lerato Chabangu (Moroka Swallows)
Strikers:
Bernard Parker (Kaizer Chiefs)
Tokelo Rantie (Malmo FF, Sweden)
Legogang Manyama (Ajax Cape Town)
Luyolo Nomandela (Free State Stars)
*Fransman will not feature against Nigeria, while the overseas-based players will be released after the first match.