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Zuma confident despite defeat
10/09/2008 09:13 - (SA)
Johannesburg - Veteran Bafana Bafana striker Sibusiso Zuma is optimistic Bafana will produce a side that can hold their own at the 2010 World Cup finals, despite the national team's worrying slump in form.
Zuma was speaking after he captained what was a Bafana B side to a disappointing 1-0 loss against an ordinary looking Guinea in a friendly international played at Atteridgeville's Super Stadium on Tuesday night.
Said Zuma: "There is no way I am saying we played well Tuesday night. I am also not saying it was not a good game. We gave our best. But there were a lot of positives to take out of the game. I was pleased the coach (Joel Santana) gave a number of eager up and coming players a run and they got some valuable game time and international experience. We have the emerging talent that I believe will make South Africa proud at the 2010 World Cup finals."
Zuma, who made his 67th appearance for Bafana and was captain for the fourth time, singled out midfield playmaker Teko Modise as the man that Bafana should build their 2010 squad around.
Said Zuma of the Orlando Pirates star: "When Teko came on at the start of the second half he made a big difference. I also believe that Daine Klate is going to have a big and bright future in Bafana. He showed he has the skill and ability to make the grade at this level."
Klate was rewarded for a number of outstanding performances for Premier Soccer League champions SuperSport United in early MTN 8 and Premiership matches. He got stuck in and literally hit the ground running when he replaced Pirates rookie midfielder Thulasizwe Mbuyane, at the start of the second half.
New policy
Zuma said Bafana started well against Guinea but added: "We were punished when we made a mistake and Guinea scored (through Yady Camara). But the players will have learnt from that mistake."
Zuma defended the new policy of playing as many friendly games as possible now that Bafana are eliminated from the 2010 African Nations Cup finals in Angola.
Said the Mamelodi Sundowns star: "I am positive we are going to produce the goods at the 2010 World Cup. We came unstuck on Tuesday night but we need more friendly matches against top nations such as Germany, Italy and Brazil to give us experience and make sure we are ready when the 2010 World Cup kicks off."
Zuma also said the poor turnout of supporters - an estimated 2 000 fans turned up to watch a disappointing and dull game - was a worry. The fact that Bafana had been beaten 1-0 by Nigeria in a crucial Afcon qualifier in Port Elizabeth at the weekend was blamed for the poor turnout.
But said Zuma; "When we went out for our warm-up I was worried and told the players in the dressing room the fans are still going to come. But they did not and we know we have to win them back."
Zuma also said the death of his friend and Bafana teammate Jacob Lekgetho had upset him and the team before the match. A minute's silence was held before the kick-off.
"I learnt earlier on Tuesday that Jacob had died. I was very close to him when we played together for Bafana. The worst part was that I had to inform the other players at lunch time.
It was not easy, I want to convey my condolences to his family." Lekgetho played 26 times for his country and was rated one of the best left backs to wear a Bafana jersey. He played in Russia for Locomotiv Dynamo and in the PSL for Moroka Swallows.
- SAPA
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