The South Africa Football Association has allayed fears that Ghana will bring an under-strength side to South Africa for their international friendly next month.

Ghana were the most successful African team at the recent World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals of the tournament, which has seen many of their players rise to prominence.

The Black Stars take on Bafana Bafana at at Soccer City on August 11 in a game that national boss Pitso Mosimane believes will provide a true indication of just how far South Africa has come.

However, the occasion is largely dependent on both outfits fielding their best sides and Sedibe has assured everyone that this will happen as SAFA’s contract with the Ghana Football Association states that the Black Stars squad must comprise players who qualified for the World Cup quarter-finals.

“Ghana appeared quite happy to agree to this condition,” SAFA executive Leslie Sedibe said.

“So we do not expect any complications in this respect.”

Sedibe also revealed that their would be stiff consequences for Ghana should they decide to field a weakend team.

“The contract also stipulates stiff penalties for Ghana should they renege on the guarantee to bring the nucleus of the team that thrilled soccer followers during the World Cup.”

This means that Ghanaian superstars like Asamoah Gyan, Richard Kingston, John Mensah, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah are all likely to showcase their skills, however, Sidibe admitted that the game might come too soon for Michael Essien, who was ruled out of the World Cup through injury.

“Whether they consider him, or in fact whether he is ready for international duty,is purely a matter for our visitors.”

SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani says supporters can expect a real showpiece from two of Africa’s giants.

“With Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane already having declared he will be selecting his strongest available squad,he is viewing the clash against The Black Stars as a prestige occasion, we can expect a real humdinger.”

Source: Ghanasoccernet