I accepted an invitation from National Coach, Carlos Queiroz, and S.A.F.A. C.E.O. Danny Jordaan to join Bafana Bafana's Technical Team for the African Cup of Nations (Mali 2002) and the World Cup (Japan/Korea 2002). My role will be to support, promote and advise them in their quest to bring back the glory, passion and spirit that made them the most popular South African National sporting team.
MALI 2002
Carlos Queiroz has selected a 33-man squad, which will be trimmed down to 22 by the time they jet out from Johannesburg International Airport for Mali in mid -January.
There will always no doubt be some other players who the public would like to have seen included in the squad. However, I do not want to dwell on the issue of omissions but rather on the positive aspects of the selections.
I was particularly pleased about the selection of Naseef Morris, Benedict Vilikazi and Jabu Pule. I see in their ability and enthusiasm a similarity to the team I started to build in 1994. What impresses me about this squad is that they have some naturally 'left sided' players - Delron Buckley, Quinton Fortune and Jacob Lekgetho, which always gives a good football team the balance it requires.
The four vital areas:
- Goalkeepers
We are strong in this department. André Arendse, Hans Vonk and Brian Baloyi have been in good form for their respective clubs.
- Defenders
We have a sound defence. I was pleased to see the selection of Matthew Booth who gives an alternative to Pierre Issa. Much has been said about Matthew's lack of pace, however, I have never seen any good footballer who can run the 100m in 10seconds but I have seen many good footballers who can run the 100m in 12 seconds!
- Midfielders
An exciting midfield:- In Sibusiso Zuma Bafana Bafana possess the best 'wide' midfield player in Africa and with the pace and work-rate of Vilikazi, have two players who can dominate and win matches for South Africa. This type of player is priceless! Vilikazi's ability to score goals from the midfield is also invaluable.
The only omission I would like to comment on is Sipho Ndzuza. I think he is the type of player who is better when the quality of football is higher. He can 'step up a gear' and plays the role that Carlos needs to relieve his problems in the 'central midfield' berth.
- The Strikers
Here we are adequate. This may be a problem area because of the lack form shown by Benni McCarthy. Let us hope that his move to Portugal, on loan to F.C. Porto, will allow him to play consistently and regain the form that made him such a prolific striker.
An interesting selection is Patrick Mayo (Supersport United). I looked to sign Patrick when he played for Bush Bucks, he has all the attributes of a predator and reminds me of Mike Mangena, who played for me in the mid-80's and who is now a renowned T.V. presenter.
Shaun Bartlett and Siyabonga Nomvete have answered their country's call with commitment and would both be an asset to any football team.
The group South Africa will play in, with Morocco, Burkina Faso and Ghana, is one of the hardest in the tournament. I have the feeling that this squad will improve as the tournament progresses and if we reach the quarter final stages, the experience of playing competitively at this level, could see South Africa go through to the finals.
The qualifying matches will give us the barometer to judge whether South African Football has improved or not.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Next: Mali as a build-up to the World Cup
