Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day
Teams: South African Masters 0-2 Italian Legends
Date: 17 August 2013
Venue: FNB Stadium
The South African Masters were beaten 2-0 by the Italian Legends in their friendly at FNB Stadium on Saturday morning.
The Azzurri prevailed through strikes either side of the break from Roberto Galia and Emiliano Salvetti.
The match formed part of the Nelson Mandela Sports and Culture Day celebrations, which will later see Bafana Bafana host AFCON finalists Burkina Faso, and the Springboks open their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina at the same venue.
Italy were the better side in an hour-long affair, and deservedly scored a 21st minute opener via Galia's clinical finish from the edge of the box after the hosts failed to clear a corner.
Andre Arendse, who turned out for Wits last season, impressed for the home team as he was forced to make a number of saves in the first half.
Arendse was called into action again five minutes after the restart, as he gathered a useful free-kick from Ruggiero Rizzitelli.
Golden Arrows assistant coach Shaun Bartlett, who scored 30 international goals, showed intent in the 40th minute but fired wide of the target from range.
Bafana legend John 'Shoes' Mosheou threatened in the 47th minute but his effort was straight at keeper Marco Ballotta.
Soon after, Arendse made a great save in a one-on-one situation before being replaced by John Tlale.
Tlale pulled out a brilliant reaction-stop moments after coming up, but Salvetti was at hand to head home on the rebound to seal the result.
South Africa: Andre Arendse, Edward Motale, Mark Fish, Neil Tovey, Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, John Moshoeu, David Nyathi, Helman Mkhalelele, Phil Masinga, Teenage Dladla.
Italy: Marco Ballotta, Claudio Gentile, Pietro Vierchowod, Roberto Mussi, Simone Pavan, Massimo Agostini, Simone Barone, Giovanni Galli, Ruggiero Rizzitelli, Bruno Giordano, Roberto Galia.
By Soccer-Laduma
Follow us on Twitter: @Soccer_Laduma
