Wake-up call for Bafana stars
2005-07-11 21:39
Billy Cooper
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana's spoilt overseas based stars have been given a
wake-up call.
The so-called no-hopers in the United States have shown up the overseas
players by virtually sealing their place in the Concacaf Gold Cup quarter-finals.
A stunning 2-1 win over holders Mexico was followed by a thrilling 3-3 draw against Jamaica
in California. Bafana played 42 minutes of the second half with 10 men.
Former Bafana striker and Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs star Marks Maponyane said on Monday: "This has shown that nobody
owns a Bafana jersey. These guys have proved that point. This has been marvellous. Nobody
gave them a chance. Simply brilliant."
Maponyane was impressed by the squad mainly made up of local based players. "What I have seen in the two matches is hunger, commitment and dedication. Everyone on
the pitch is hungry to impress the coach and maybe even overseas scouts, who are at all the
match venues.
"Sadly that commitment was missing from our World Cup match against Ghana last month."
Maponyane said the World Cup squad, including many European-based stars, had lacked
consistency.
"We played like demons away from home and beat Cape Verde 2-1, then we lose 2-0 to
Ghana at home. The best player against Cape Verde was OJ (Mbulelo Mabizela). He was the
worst player against Ghana. It simply does not make sense," said Maponyane.
We have made a lot of mistakes, especially defending set pieces, but that is down to a lack
of experience." Maponyane said.
- Daily Sun