“We do not need motivation when we are playing against the 5-times World Cup Champions,” said Bernard Parker. Parker is part of the 22-man squad to take on 2014 Fifa World Cup hosts Brazil in an international friendly match scheduled for Wednesday, 5 March 2014.

“It is always a pleasure and a good feeling to be called up to represent your country. It is an exciting moment to play against the World Champions. Brazil is on top of their game. Their preparations for the 2014 World Cup are going well. Having played Bafana Bafana in the past, Brazil knows what is like to play against Bafana Bafana,” commented the Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana marksman.

“It is strange to report for Camp before the game of this magnitude without Captain Itumeleng Khune. Khune is out with an injury, we miss him here, but that’s how it goes in football, we will have to soldier on,” continued Parker. Khune sustained an injury to the outside of the leg just above the ankle.

“I hope to continue with my goal scoring form but the bigger picture is getting Bafana Bafana back to the World stage. I am working hard to continue banging in goals,” Parker has scored 23 goals in his Bafana Bafana career and he is current leading goal scorer in the PSL.

Brazil is the most successful national football team in the history of the Fifa World Cup, with five championships: 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. They are also the most successful team in the Fifa Confederations Cup with four titles. Brazil is the current holders of the Fifa Confederations Cup after winning the 1997, 2005, 2009, and 2013 edition of the tournament. Brazil is the only national team to have played in every World Cup.

“We hope that the South African football loving people will come in their numbers to be part of the match. The presence of the supporters at the stadium is always an added advantage especially when we are playing at home,” commented Parker.

Tickets for this match are already on sale at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Shoprite/Checkers stores countrywide.They are going for R50 for the top tier; R200 for the middle tier and R100 for the bottom tier.

The clash will take place at the home of South African football, FNB Stadium and will kick off at 19h00.

Bafana Bafana Squad: Goalkeepers: Senzo Meyiwa, Ronwen Williams, Defenders: Thabo Nthete, Bongani Khumalo, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Siyanda Xulu, Anele Ngcongca, Thato Mokeke, Thabo Matlaba, Midfielders: Dean Furman, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Daylon Claasen, Thulani Serero, Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa, Ayanda Patosi, Lindokuhle Mbatha, Bongani Zungu, Hlompho Kekana, Strikers: Bernard Parker, Tokelo Rantie, Dino Ndlovu

Brazil Squad: Goalkeeper: Julio Cesar, Defenders: Thiago Silva, David Luiz, Dante, Dani Alves, Rafinha, Marcelo; Midfielders: Paulinho, Fernandinho, Luiz Gustavo, Ramires, Oscar, Willian, Strikers: Neymar, Hulk, Bernard