South Africa
South Africa
The Bafana Bafana are back in the World Cup finals after missing the 2006 edition in Germany, this time as the hosts of the summer football showpiece. But don’t be deceived into believing the South Africans are there just for the festivities. The team held their own in last year’s Confederations Cup, losing narrowly but putting up spirited displays against Spain and Brazil.
Most of the South African squad plays in the country’s domestic league, and the side certainly lacks experience at the highest level, especially when compared to Group A rivals France, Uruguay and Mexico. Despite this, they are certainly likely to play out of their skins, and home advantage can never be discounted. Midfielders Teko Modise and Surprise Moriri have both been consistent performers at club and international level, attracting interest from a number of smaller European clubs, while a few of their team-mates are already plying their trade in the English, Dutch and Belgian leagues. Kagisho Dikgacoi was part of the Fulham squad that reached the Europa League final this past season, while striker Bernard Parker sealed the Eredivisie title with FC Twente.
Much responsibility will rest with the South Africans’ two most experienced players – Benni McCarthy, the nation’s top scorer, and defender Aaron Mokoena, who is the most-capped player. Both of them have played at the Premier League level for a number of seasons, and will be expected to provide an example for the rest of the side to follow. Coach Carlos Alberto Perreira is also one of the most qualified campaigners around – this year’s finals will be the 5th time he has managed a country at the World Cup, and he can be expected to put out a well-organized team that will be aiming to make a splash and give their home fans something to cheer about.
Key Player: Steven Pienaar
Teammates Mokoena and McCarthy are more experienced at the international level; however, Everton’s Steven Pienaar has caught the eye far more frequently over the past few seasons, and if South Africa are to progress beyond the group stage, he will be expected to provide the creative spark they need. Since his arrival at Everton, Pienaar has reinvented himself and matured as an attacking player, and his fine form has led to speculation that Manchester United are interested in signing him. While he continues to polarise opinion in his native country, few in South Africa doubt the confidence he oozes on the field and his ability to inject inspiration into the team's play. His performances in the Confederations Cup were another reminder that he will be key to any South African success in 2010.
What they said
“When you come up against the hosts, it's always tricky for any opponent. I watched them during the Confederations Cup last year, and I was impressed.” – Jay Jay Okocha, former Nigeria star, says we can expect a surprise from the hosts.
What we think
'Bafana Bafana' need to ride the wave of enthusiasm that is sure to greet their World Cup hosting because their form in the build-up has been pretty dire, with Parreira returning to the managerial post after compatriot Joel Santana failed to convince. A goal drought, political infighting and an inability to secure a training camp in their own country cast a long shadow over South Africa's preparations, increasing the chances of their being the first World Cup hosts to go out in the first round. But the mood has shifted in recent weeks with better performances, new personnel behind the scenes and big crowds suggesting the nation is uniting behind them.Nonetheless, it will be a challenge for the side to progress past the first stage, and even if they do manage that, surely going beyond the last 16 will be asking too much from a largely inexperienced side.
