Wooden spoon for Bafana?

2006-01-29 21:36

Schalk Jonker

Alexandria - South Africa and Zambia play for the wooden spoon in Group C of this year's African Cup of Nations soccer tournament on Monday evening.

Bafana Bafana lost their matches against Guinea and Tunisia and will be given the opportunity to redeem themselves and, at least, score a goal in the tournament.

Zambia, too, were beaten by Tunisia and Guinea, but they managed to find the back of the net.

It appears as if South Africa will have a torrid time against Zambia.

At training, there was uncertainty about the fitness of captain Sibusiso Zuma while Benni McCarthy also withdrew from the training session.

Other players who have been injured and probably will not play are Vuyo Mere, Daniel Tshabalala, Ricardo Katza and Benedict Vilakazi.

This will create a huge problem for Bafana Bafana coach Ted Dumitru, who will want to show that his players still have some pride left.

The coach probably will include players like Katlego Mphela, Nkosinathi Nhleko and Simphiwe Tshabalala, regardless of the fact that they have not played at this level.

Face a tough hurdle

Despite their two losses, Zambia are much better organised than Bafana Bafana and the South Africans face a tough hurdle.

Dumitru took a chance when he named his squad and, from the word go, he ran the risk that an injury or two to key players could disrupt his team seriously.

This has happened now, but it is doubtful whether the newcomers will be any worse than the experienced players they will replace.

Something in Bafana Bafana's favour is that several Zambian players have contracts with South African clubs.

Players like Chris Katonga, Isaac Chansa and Billy Mowanza are not unknown factors and the team's biggest weapon on attack, Collins Mbesuma, is a firm favourite among Kaizer Chiefs supporters.

Dumitru faces replacement

Although Mbesuma has not shown what he can do in this year's tournament, his knowledge of South Africa's defensive patterns will be to his team's advantage.

South Africa's performance in Egypt has been disappointing to say the least and you can accept that Dumitru will be replaced.

This is, however, just the first step to get South African soccer back on track.

TV: 18:30 on SS3 and SABC1.

- Die Burger