FRIDAY, 11.30AM:
IT was all smiles on Thursday night after the announcement of Bafana Bafana’s opponents in next year’s World Cup finals. South Africa were drawn against Group C leaders and hosts France, Denmark and Saudi Arabia.
South Africa will play their opening game against France at Stade Municipal in Marseilles on June 12, Denmark on June 18 and the last match against Saudi Arabia in Bordeaux on June 24.
National coach Clive Barker said Bafana Bafana have the advantage of having played against France, who are favourites to top the group. “We will have the honour of playing the second match of the tournament on the opening day. It’s a good draw and our goal is to make a big impact at the finals,” said Barker. “Our experience of playing France, and next week’s Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia, gives us a tremendous opportunity to watch Saudi Arabia at close range.”
Bafana Bafana will take part in the Confederations Cup from December 12-21.
Captain Lucas Radebe, who watched the draw in England where he plies his trade, said: “It is a tough group with France, Saudi Arabia and Denmark, but we have played France in that friendly and will play Saudi soon. It will give us a good platform. As long as we don’t have Brazil in our group we will do well — it will be a challenge.”
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