15 November 2013
A strong contingent of 44 Spanish journalists will be flying in to South Africa to cover the international friendly between Bafana Bafana and reigning world and European football champions Spain at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
It will be the first time the world number one ranked Spanish return to South Africa since they clinched the World Cup in 2010 after an extra-time victory over the Netherlands at the same venue – then known as Soccer City – thanks to a goal in the 116th minute by midfielder Andres Iniesta.
Journalists representing radio, online, print and television from 14 different media establishments in Spain will be in attendance, reflecting strong international interest in the game, which will be screened live throughout Europe and elsewhere.
Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund has selected South Africa’s strongest possible side, including nine foreign-based players, for the game. Veterans such as Bafana skipper Itumeleng Khune, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Bongani Khumalo and Kagisho Dikgacoi will line up alongside emerging players such as Bongani Zungu, Ayanda Patosi and Kermit Erasmus.
Spain’s squad for the match includes 13 World Cup winners. Crowd favourite Andres Iniesta, who scored the winning goal in extra time in the 2010 final against The Netherlands, Cesc Fabregas, David Villa, Alvaro Negredo, Juan Mata, Sergio Ramos and Xabi Alonso will be some of those in action.
“It is a dream come true for many soccer fans to once again see the likes of Iniesta and Xavi in action at the venue where they made history by lifting their first World Cup trophy,” South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan said when the match was announced last month. “This is going to be a block-buster of a game.”
Bafana Bafana have met Spain twice previously, with both matches taking place during the 2009 Fifa Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Playing in Bloemfontein, the European champions recorded a routine 2-0 victory over South Africa in group play, but a shock loss to the USA, which ended their record unbeaten run of 15 matches, relegated them to the playoff for third and fourth against the hosts.
The game turned out to be a cracker, with Spain edging it 3-2 after Katlego Mphela’s second goal forced the game into extra time.
Tickets for Tuesday’s match are on sale at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide. They cost R50 for the top tier; R200 for the middle tier and R100 for the bottom tier. There are also suite ticket packages available for R895 and R1 650.
SAinfo reporter
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