Foundation

When you consider that before the 2010 World Cup our lads were ranked at 90, it is a truly astounding achievement that we are in this position. The side showed incredible resolve in a tough group and Carlos Alberto Parreira laid a solid foundation for Mosimane to continue building on. Mosimane’s baptism as coach came with a superb 1-0 victory for Bafana against Ghana in August and since then he has continued without defeat.

This is an enormous opportunity for a number of Bafana’s players to stake a claim in Mosimane’s reign. None will be as inspirited as Morgan Gould, who missed out on the World Cup through injury. I will be interested to see how the Supersport United defensive regular asserts himself tonight if he features. Tottenham’s new signing Bongani Khumalo is out injured, so Siyabonga Sangweni also comes into the fray.

Recruit

Bafana’s newest recruit David Somma will be champing at the bit for a piece of the Americans. Somma left South Africa at an early age and resided in America. However, he was quick to criticize the USA for showing now interest in his ability.

Speaking with an American twang, the Leeds United striker said: “I’m pumped up for this game – I want to destroy them! They messed me around a lot– I wanted to play for them, but they didn’t show much interest.” Well you’ll have every chance to upstage those that did catch the American selectors’ attention tonight son! Somma has notched a respectable 7 goals in 14 appearances this season for Leeds in the Championship and will lead the Bafana line. I haven’t seen him play but he is apparently a big lad, excellent at holding the ball up and linking with the midfield and boasts genuine pace. I’m looking forward to seeing his impact.

Skipper

One man I simply love watching play is Everton’s fleet-footed Steven Pienaar, who incidentally will make his first start as captain, in the absence of Aaron Mokoena who is being rested. Pienaar had a mediocre World Cup by his standards and looks likely to start in the heart of midfield alongside any of Siphiwe Tshabalala, Thanduyise Khuboni, Daylon Claasen, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Andile Jali, Teko Modise, Mathew Pattison and Kagisho Dikgacoi.

All the names mentioned will add something different alongside Pienaar’s guile and slippery runs. Matthew Pattinson is touted by many to be favoured and the former Newcastle United and Norwich man will add some steel in place of regular stalwart Macbeth Sibaya.

Inexperience

Bob Bradley has brought an inexperienced squad down to the Cape bearing in mind his preparations for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers.

“This game is a good opportunity to look at some different players and assess their place in the pool as we continue to build for the next cycle,” said Bradley.

Six members of the squad are yet to receive a cap and the squad is devoid of regulars with Jozi Altidore, Clint Dempsey, Tim Howard and Stuart Holden all left behind. Mosimane will be buoyed by the absences and urge his chargers to fly into tackles and make life troublesome for the American youngsters.

It’s set to be a phenomenal evening in Cape Town, as Bafana make their return to the Mother City for the first time in three years. The fan-walk will be bustling with all its cultural eminence and tickets for the match are sold out. The stadium will certainly be a vociferous cauldron of vuvu-wielding warriors.

Walker’s call

Ever the optimist and avid Bafana supporter, I will call this a Bafana Bafana 2-0 win and back the enthusiastic Somma to grab a goal. Bernard Parker will also be one to watch as he deputises for Katlego Mphela. If you’re not one of the lucky ones to have a ticket, you can catch the coverage on SABC. Kick-off is at 9.30pm.

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Image via thisisfootball.co.za