CHAN QUALIFIERS CONTINUE THIS WEEKEND
Qualifying for the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Sudan continues this weekend, with South Africa's hosting of Zambia in Katlehong seemingly the pick of the ties.
The tournament is only open to players who ply their trade in their domestic leagues and South Africa, known as Amabinneplaas, have once again gone in with a mixture of youngsters and experienced players who are mostly out of favour at their clubs.
But despite this, coach Simon Ngomane says he is confident his players will do well in the first leg of their tie against the Zambians, who finished third at the inaugural finals in Cote d'Ivoire in 2009.
"Everything is well on track. I'm satisfied and truly humbled by the high levels of commitment, professionalism and hard work that the whole team has showed so far,” Ngomane says.
“We have to make sure that we register a win in our home match and also try not to concede a goal to make our lives a little bit easier when we go away to play them in their own backyard. We know Zambia very well, know their players and are also familiar with their abilities."
Zimbabwe should have an easier time as they take on Seychelles, while Angola take on fellow COSAFA hopefuls Malawi in Luanda, another tie to capture the imagination.
In East Africa, Uganda take on traditional rivals Kenya in Kampala, while there is also a north African battle between Tunisia and Morocco.
Hosts Sudan, defending champions DR Congo, Ghana, Mali, Senegal, Niger, Cameroon and Cote d'Ivoire have already booked their place in the finals.
Fixtures:
Tunisia vs. Morocco
Seychelles vs. Zimbabwe
Angola vs. Malawi
Uganda vs. Central East
South Africa vs. Zambia
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