Canada ready for South Africa friendly

Canada-South Africa match tracker



Canada’s men’s national team has made their final preparations for tomorrow’s international friendly match with the Republic of South Africa. The Canadian men’s team have spent four days training together at the ABSA Stadium in Durban. The first-ever meeting between Canada and South Africa will take place tomorrow at 19.30 local time. The game will be telecast live on Rogers Sportsnet (12.30 ET / 9.30 PT).



The Canadian team arrived in Durban last Thursday. Coach Dale Mitchell and his squad had training dates on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and today. Canada’s squad features 16 players, including team captain Kevin McKenna. Tomasz Radzinski (33 years) is the oldest player on the team while Will Johnson (20 years) is the youngest player on the team. Paul Stalteri (61 senior caps) has the most international experience while Marcel de Jong (no caps) has the least experience. Stalteri and Julian de Guzman are the only two players that have played in Canada’s nine international matches this season. André Hainault, meanwhile, was unable to make the trip because of a minor injury.



The Canadian team also visited the SOS Children’s Village in Pietermaritzburg. The team made the 40-km trek from Durban to Pietermaritzburg so that they could play a little pick-up soccer with the young children in the village. The Canadian team also donated balls, uniforms and toys.



Canada’s men’s senior team is currently ranked third amongst all CONCACAF countries in the September 2007 FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Next year, Canada will begin their qualifications road for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010. Incidentally, the draw for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa qualifying ties and groups takes place in Durban on 25 November, just five days after the Canada-South Africa friendly. Both coach Mitchell and manager Morgan Quarry will be on hand at the draw.