The Mandela Challenge Cup- Match Preview

South Africa's Bafana Bafana will face a stiff test when they take on African champions Nigeria in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge at Durban's Moses Mabhida Stadium on Wednesday evening.

With the 95-year-old former president Nelson Mandela in hospital for over two months, the pressure is on the South African national team to honour the much-loved icon with a winning performance.


Since an unfortunate 2-1 defeat to Ethiopia in a 2014 World Cup qualifier in June (see this YouTube clip to understand why it was "unfortunate"), Bafana Bafana have played three matches, but none with the team's overseas-based players.

Coach Gordon Igesund was forced to take an inexperienced side to the Cosafa Cup in Zambia in July after numerous clubs withdrew their players from his squad.

Despite those challenges, Bafana defeated Namibia 2-1, lost 5-3 from the penalty spot to Zambia after a 0-0 draw, and beat Lesotho 2-1 to finish third in the tournament. A number of players impressed Igesund and have been included in the squad for the clash with Nigeria.

Since their Africa Cup of Nations-clinching win over Burkina Faso in February, Nigeria's Super Eagles have been busy, but have produced mixed results, with three wins, three draws and three losses.

Among the disappointments were a 1-1 draw with Kenya and another 1-1 draw with Namibia. A 4-1 win over the Ivory Coast at the beginning of July was a superb result, but in their most recent outing the Elephants turned the tables on the Super Eagles and won 2-0 in Abidjan on 27 July.

A late change was made to the South African squad on Tuesday, with Marc van Heerden called up to replace Innocent Mdledle, who has been sidelined by a hamstring injury. Van Heerden plays for Durban PSL club Amazulu, so was not required to travel to meet up with the rest of the squad.

Bennett Chenene has also been ruled out with a hamstring injury, but Igesund has chosen not to replace him.

SuperSport United defender Bevan Fransman was let go for Wednesday's clash as his wife is due to give birth at any moment. He will be considered for South Africa's clash on Saturday against Burkina Faso.

The overseas-based players will be in action on Wednesday, but will be released for Saturday's match.

Late last week, striker Emmanuel Emenike and defender Kenneth Omeruo were withdrawn from the Nigerian squad. Emenike was allowed to pull out after moving from Spartak Moscow to Turkish club Fenerbahce, while Omeruo is struggling to overcome a shoulder injury he picked up in the Confederations Cup in June.

Tickets for Wednesday's clash are available from Computicket and cost from R50 to R100.

On Saturday, Bafana tackle Africa Cup of Nations runners-up Burkina Faso at the FNB Stadium in Soweto as part of the Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day.
Tickets prices range from R220 to R550 for a day that will include the football international, the Springboks against Argentina in the opening match of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, a footballing clash between the South African and Italian Masters, and a music concert featuring local and international artists.

BAFANA BAFANA 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, 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, Sweden), Legogang Manyama (Ajax Cape Town), Luyolo Nomandela (Free State Stars)

SUPER EAGLES SQUAD:

Goalkeepers:
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel)
Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Defenders:
Efe Ambrose (Celtic, Scotland)
Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Elderson Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal)
James Okwuosa (Chippa United, SA)
Gege Soriola (Free State Stars, SA)

Midfielders:
Fegor Ogude (Valerenga, Norway)
Victor Moses (Chelsea, England)
John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal)
Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio, Italy)
Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy)
Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)

Forwards:
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kiev, Ukraine)
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England)
Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, Netherlands)