Time for Bafana to shine
2006-01-25 21:37
Alexandria - Even though Bafana Bafana have their backs to the wall, they will have a chance on Thursday evening to show that they are a soccer power in Africa.
They play Tunisia in a Group C match that they have to win if they want to have a say in this year's Africa Cup of Nations.
A contract dispute and an unexpected defeat in the opening match against Guinea have made the South Africans lose their way in Egypt, but all these factors should be forgotten when they play Tunisia.
It will, however, not be easy. Under former French coach, Roger Lemerre, the Tunisian team is a well-oiled machine that has gelled well the past two years.
If coach Ted Dumitru's team does not win on Thursday evening, they cannot finish among the two top teams in Group C and the players can start packing their bags for the trip home.
The coach of South Africa's Under-23 team, Kenneth (Conti) Khubeka, watched Lemerre's team recently and sounded a warning that Bafana Bafana should expect a tough time.
Khubeka said:"Tunisia are a strong side. It's true that they don't have stars, but they are a group of very good players who have excellent rapport. They've been playing together the past two years and every player has a good idea what his teammate will do next."
Like a home match for Tunisia
Another headache for Bafana Bafana is that the match against Tunisia in Egypt is virtually like a home match for Tunisia. In the match against Zambia on Sunday evening, the stadiums were packed by hundreds of noisy Tunisian supporters, while South Africa's match against Guinea had the fewest spectators by far.
Khubeka said the Bafana Bafana defenders would have to know their story because Tunisia had the ability to start attacks using different options.
"They especially like attacking from the flanks and the players who guard the lines will hold the key for South Africa," he said.
Khubeka also told the South Africans to be on the lookout for the sharpshooter Silva dos Santos. He scored two goals against Zambia and was very dangerous when given room.
Tunisia are not just dangerous on the attack, but South Africa will also have to vary their attacks if they want to succeed.
"Their defence is very solid and the central defenders are strong," Khubeka said.
The two changes Dumitru referred to earlier this week will probably be Vuyo Mere, who can replace Jimmy Tau in defence and Lefalamang Mokoena will probably be replaced by Elrio van Heerden in midfield.
A possible Bafana Bafana team: Calvin Marlin, Ricardo Katza, Pierre Issa, Mbulelo Mabizela, Vuyo Mere, Siyabonga Nomvete, Benedict Vilakazi, Daniel Tshabalala, Elrio van Heerden, Benni McCarthy, Sibusiso Zuma (c).