Injuries to key players have forced Bafana Bafana coach Joel Natalino Santana to make some changes to the squad that will play against Germany and Ireland.   The Bafana mentor says the upcoming international friendly matches against Germany (Leverkusen) and Ireland (Limerick) on the 5th and 8th September respectively, will provide another solid test for Bafana as they enter the final stages of preparing for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday (26 August), Santana expressed optimism about his plans and preparations despite injuries sustained by a number of players, he says the technical team is advancing the progress that has been made during the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup that was held in June.

“My idea is to have about eight or nine players that started the Confederations Cup games, thereafter I can give other players a chance especially those who are currently performing well in the ABSA Premiership. The absence of the injured players slightly disrupts my plans; but at the same it's good because it will give me a chance to see how other players fit into the national team set-up; it's a different level from the PSL,” said Santana.

In reference to how he was going to use the players for the two matches, Santana had this to say, “I am going to use more or less the same team that has been starting in the previous matches, then I will make changes in the second game. The matches are important in that they will give the players experience, the Germans are very strong and competitive; Ireland are a good side too, and both this football playing Nations will give us the challenge we need to prepare for the World Cup,” added Santana.

The squad assembles on Tuesday 02 September before departing for Germany on the same night.