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Bafana: Show your worth!
25/03/2008 22:07 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parriera wants his team to move up on the Fifa world ranking chart, and ultimately start winning against quality opposition.
That has to start when they take on Paraguay in an international friendly at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville on Wednesday.
"We must take the process a step further after progressing significantly following the experience gained by playing teams such as Italy, Scotland, Uruguay, as well as in the African Nations Cup finals," he said and added: "we have to beef up our unacceptable 71st-placed Fifa ranking."
The process the Brazilian is referring to is his campaign to identify and develop talented young players to represent South Africa proudly at the 2010 World Cup.
While the thankless process has unearthed future Bafana stars, the results have not been rewarding. And against Paraguay, whom Bafana face Wednesday night in an international friendly, it's unlikely the process will result in a positive reward.
Bafana lost to Zambia, Italy and Scotland and drew 0-0 with Uruguay at home. Recently a "local-is-lekker" Bafana team were unconvincing in a 2-1 win against Zimbabwe.
Pressure is starting to mount
With politicians and Premier Soccer League coaches closely watching/scrutinising the team now, the pressure is starting to mount and Parreira stated at a press conference earlier this week: "I don't think anyone can rightly dispute the fact we have unearthed a host of new talent with the potential to make their mark during the 2010 World Cup."
The squad called up for the Paraguay-clash boast the likes of veteran striker Benni McCarthy, defenders Aaron Mokoena and Nasief Morris, together with Under-23 players such as Orlando Pirates top scorer Excellent Walaza, Thanda Royal Zulu's skilful winger Bernard Parker and Kaizer Chiefs' shot-stopper Itumeleng Khune.
It's doubtful the latter trio will start against the South American team ranked 26th in the world. Paraguay have beaten Chile, Uruguay and Ecuador late last year in 2010 World Cup qualifying games but lost to 43rd placed Honduras earlier this year.
Paraguay are obviously not unbeatable but on paper, and according to the Fifa world ranking, they demand more respect than Bafana Bafana have been able to for ages.
"They effectively combine South American skill and European discipline and resilience in their make-up," Parreira said about the opposition.
Whether this is the year Parreira's plans take shape, one thing is certain that a loss or draw to a team who are leading the World Cup qualifying campaign in South America will not go down well with politicians, coaches and fans alike.
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Rugby
