South Africa's
Aaron Mokoena will celebrate his 100th cap for Bafana Bafana Monday night against Guatemala. He will be the first player in the nation's history to achieve such a feat. As South Africa are big favorites to win this one, the Portsmouth defender will be sure not to let the visitors spoil his day.
South Africa have been on a roll in their warm-up to hosting the 2010 World Cup. The senior squad has gone undefeated for 13 games in all competitions since October. Most recently they defeated Colombia on home soil, which is no small feat.
Guatemala are not rated as high as the Colombians, but Mokoena has stressed that his team will play with as much intensity as an actual World Cup match.
Mokoena commented on the upcoming match: "They have come here to test us. We cannot underestimate them as we have only 11 days left and only one more friendly (against Denmark) to tune up for the World Cup."
"We cannot afford to waste these vital warm-up matches and believe me, we are taking
Guatemala as serious as we would the other countries we played last week such as Bulgaria and Colombia."
South Africa boss
Carlos Alberto Parreira is pleased with his team's performance and will field a strong squad in hopes of keeping spirits high before Bafana Bafana's opener against Mexico.
Guatemala have seen a noticeable slump in form after not qualifying for the world championships last year. They are, however, coming off a win against El Salvador in March and will be eager to challenge the World Cup hosts on Monday as many viewers worldwide will be watching.
South Africa are a 3 to 1 favorite to win this one and bookies have set the handicap at a 2 goal victory. This is a likely scenario but as Guatemala will be putting up a tough front, a one goal handicap is the safest way to go.
South Africa - GuatemalaMonday 31 May, 2010
Kickoff: 7:35 PM (GMT)
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium (Polokwane)
Tip: South Africa -1 (Asian Handicap)
Best Odds: 1.79 @ Bet365
