Ntuthuko Maphumulo
Bafana Bafana have played a number of games against non-African opposition but have managed to win only once. They beat Sweden 1-0 in 1999 with a goal scored in the dying minutes of the second half by the former African Wanderers and Kaizer Chiefs striker Siyabonga Nomvete.
Nomvete, who now plies his trade in the one of the toughest leagues in the world, Italy, will be among five strikers in the Bafana squad to tackle Sweden in Stockholm on August 15 in a friendly.
Bafana take on Sweden with a formidable squad that is preparing for both the African Cup of Nations and World Cup next year.
Bafana will see the return of
inspirational captain Lucas Radebe, who recently lost the skipper’s armband at Leeds United after a long
injury spell. Also in the squad is hard man Eric Tinkler, who has not played for South Africa since 1998.
The friendly against Sweden will not be the only one this year as Bafana are set to play World Cup
co-hosts Japan later in the year. It should be an interesting “friendly” as Japan are now coached by Phillipe Troussier, the man in charge of Bafana during their previous World Cup excursion in France 98.
As the official Bafana Bafana squad prepare for their friendly match in Sweden, another South African squad was involved in a four-nations tournament in Iran.
A South African XI invitation squad is contesting the LG Cup with Bosnia, Iran and Oman after African champions Cameroon withdrew from the event at the 11th hour. South Africa will play Oman for the wooden spoon on Friday after having been thrashed 4-2 by Bosnia on Wednesday.
Participation in the Iran tournament will not in any way affect Bafana’s rankings, said South African Football Association (Safa) chief executive Danny Jordaan.
“The team representing South Africa in the Iran tournament is comprised of experienced and young players who will in future don the Bafana Bafana jersey,” said Jordaan. Sending a team to Iran is part of Safa’s plan to create opportunities for youngsters to play at a competitive level.