All eyes on speedy Bafana Bafana

TSHEPO MOLWANE
Staff Writer | Monday June 7, 2010 00:00

The usual odds-on Brazil, Spain, Germany, defending champions Italy and Argentina are among favourites to run away with the title. But without doubt, all eyes will be on the hosts South Africa to see how far they will go in the tournament, which is being held for the first time on the African continent.

While almost everyone is happy with the stadiums, which have been built, there have been mixed feelings about Bafana Bafana's preparations for the tournament. Some commentators argue that the kind of opposition South Africa faced in the build-up to the showpiece were not good enough. But their Brazilian coach Carlos Parreira remains confident that his side will surprise the world. Bafana Bafana are in Group A alongside group favourites France, Uruguay and Mexico. On Saturday afternoon, Bafana Bafana played their last international friendly game against Denmark before they take on Mexico in the opening game. The Brazilian tactician used the game to decide on the final starting line-up.

Going into the game, which was played at the Super Stadium outside Pretoria, Parreira said he was undecided on who to play in the holding midfield role between Kagisho Dikgacoi and Thanduyise Khuboni.  The good news for Bafana Bafana is that first-choice goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune started the game against Denmark after he suffered an injury in their game against Columbia.

When he announced his 23-man squad for the showpiece last Tuesday, Parreira said that he hoped that the strong crowd and blazing vuvuzelas would work to their advantage against the Mexicans.

There have been debates in the build-up to the tournament about the vuvuzelas with some coaches even suggesting that they should be banned. After their game against Thailand recently, the visiting coach Brian Robson said that he could not relate the instructions well to his players as the vuvuzelas made a lot of noise.

Since a shocking omission of leading goal-scorer Benni McCarthy from the squad, Parreira has decided not to comment as to what led to his omission. But interestingly, McCarthy has put his weight behind Bafana Bafana and wished them luck.  Former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey, who led his country to the 1996 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title at the Soccer City, said that it was time for the rest of the South Africans to have faith in the team.

Tovey believes that since Parreira took over the team last year he has done a wonderful job in improving their style of play. While Tovey is impressed with the results they have achieved in the preparations, he warned that Mexico would not be an easy prey. Speaking to Sport Monitor, Tovey said, 'Mexico will provide the toughest test for Bafana Bafana.  I watched them against Italy (in a friendly game) and they gave the world champions a run of their money. If they (Bafana Bafana) can go past the group stages, that would be the biggest achievement but it's not going to be easy.'  The former South African captain did not want to be drawn into discussing McCarthy's omission, saying that those who have been picked will have to raise their hands.