Ireland won't be easy: Santana

“The expectations of the game are the same just like in all other matches, we are focused and the preparation is a continuation of a solid programme that we are implementing.”

That is according to Bafana Bafana coach Joel Natalino Santana when asked what to expect from South Africa's friendly international against Ireland in Limerick today. After going down two-nil to Germany on Saturday night in Leverkusen, Santana says this is an opportunity to have maximum observation of players and also a possibility to improve the team as they get international experience.

Irish play long ball

“Ireland is one team that is not easy to play against, especially at home. They have one philosophy which we South Africans are not comfortable with - they play long ball, they play pressure football, they are strong and make you very uncomfortable. The Irish play with a lot of energy and they are also dangerous in dead-ball situations, so we have to prepare thoroughly,” said Santana.

The Bafana mentor also referred to the Ireland showdown as a good practice for his players. “ It's important for us to face such sides now because we are going to meet them in the World Cup; so it's an excellent opportunity which we have to use wisely.”

But now Santana has a great challenge, to get the players in peak condition and well rested before the match after the tough clash against Germany.

Good practice for the World Cup

“I am not complaining, but just saying how difficult it is and I don't want any excuses after the match. After playing on Saturday we had a lot of travelling and the players take time to recover, the medical team and the physical trainer have done their best to keep the players in peak condition. But then again this is what we will get in the World Cup; it's good for the players to get used to the system like it happened in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, where we played every three or four days,” said Santana.

As to whether he will make changes in the match, Santana was quick to say that he will first have to see the players at training on Monday evening and get the doctor's report before he makes any decisions, but he is likely to give other players a run as the match continues.

Meanwhile goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters of Bloemfontein Celtic, who was withdrawn from the squad following an injury at training in Germany, saw a specialist on Monday in Johannesburg. He will undergo a finger operation today and is expected to be out for about six weeks.