Big break for budding Blues

Johannesburg - Two budding Chelsea players, defender Jeffrey Ntuka and midfield Masilo Modubi, will get their big break this weekend.

The two SA Under-23 stars, who are on the books of the Blues of Chelsea but were loaned to Belgium club Westerlo this season, will play a big part of Bafana Bafana assistant coach Pitso Mosimane's plans for the Cosafa Cup in Swaziland.

Both are expected to start in the opening match against Malawi at the Somhlolo on Saturday.

Mosimane, aided by fellow assistant coach Jairo Leal, took charge of the team at their training session in bitterly cold weather at Sturrock Park on Tuesday.

Head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is recovering from a fractured rib and may not be fit to travel to Swaziland. He will consult his doctor before deciding whether to travel to the mountain kingdom to watch his players.

Mosimane said that despite taking what amounts to a development or Under-23 squad, he believed Bafana could win through to the semi-finals and the final.

Said Mosimane: "I am excited about the prospect of these youngsters playing for their country, some for the first time. We want to have a good look at both Ntuka and Modubi as we believe they have the potential to be part of the 2010 World Cup squad."

Mosimane added that he was aware Malawi were confident facing a second string Bafana line-up.

"I know that Malawi will send their best side out against us. That is good. My reasoning is that once a player puts on a Bafana jersey it is up to him to keep it. This is a fantastic chance for these youngsters to gain experience."

Mosimane said that the biggest problem he and Leal faced was getting the team to gel.

The winner goes through to the mini-final against either Swaziland or Mauritius on Sunday. Sunday's winner qualifies for the semi-finals in September.