NEW Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Parreira has made two changes to his starting line-up for tonight’s friendly international against Jamaica at the Free State Stadium (8.30pm).

Speaking at a press briefing ahead of Bafana’s final friendly international of the year, the Brazilian-born coach said Orlando Pirates defender Lucas Thwala would replace Tsepo Masilela at left back and German-based goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez would come in for Pirates’ Moeneeb Josephs, who was named Man of the Match in the 0-0 draw against Japan at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth played at the weekend.

“Masilela picked up an injury against Japan, while I need to have a look at Fernandez. I will make other changes during the match as I did against Japan,” explained Parreira, who re-affirmed he was hoping to end the year on a winning note.

Parreira was cautious about predicting a win against the Reggae Boyz.

“Although we did not beat Japan, it was a positive result, considering Japan have already qualified for the World Cup and are ranked 40th in the world. I was happy with the overall performance and the result.

“But Jamaica will be a different proposition. They play a different style in that they are not as quick, but they still need to be respected and, again, I stress that we are not going to underestimate them.

“From now until the World Cup every game is important as we have to build up a winning mentality.

“I hope we get a win against Jamaica as our goal is to end the year on a high note.”

Parreira warned that mighty Brazil only managed a 1-0 win over the Jamaicans in London recently.

Parreira said that while he was happy with the spirit against Japan, Bafana were still a long way from being ready to take on the world’s best sides at the World Cup next year.

“We need to show a lot of improvement. But the biggest problem is that most of our players who belong to European clubs do not play regularly for their clubs and that means they are not match fit.

“My first job is to make sure that come the World Cup every player is fully match fit. That is why I am having two camps next year to get our match conditioning up to speed.”

Bafana skipper Aaron Mokoena said he expected a tough battle against Jamaica but was quietly optimistic.

“The players are more positive now and we are determined to win this one for the fans in Bloemfontein,” said Mokoena.

While Jamaica have won three, drawn four and lost two of their nine internationals played this year, the Reggae Boyz are not in the same class as the well disciplined and organised Japanese outfit. – Sapa