Southern Africa has consistently sent only two teams to the African Cup of Nations since 1996. Once again South Africa are there and, finally, after 23 years of independence, Zimbabwe. But neither of them has a hope of reaching the final.
Once a nation on the rise in African soccer, South Africa are now going backwards. Bafana Bafana’s record at the showpiece shows a steady decline: winners in 1996, runners-up in 1998, semifinalists in 2000 and quarterfinalists in 2002. If that run continues, the country is due for an ignominious first-round exit.
But owing to the quality and pedigree of the players in the Bafana Bafana squad and the unpredictable nature of the game, they could go all the way to the final. An early departure might be better for the country in the long term, though. Â Â
For if Bafana Bafana do well, all the problems of the past few weeks will be swept under the carpet. Humiliation will force us to look into the administrative problems that beset the game.
Caretaker coach Styles Phumo does not seem to hold out much hope for a miracle. He was quoted this week as saying the team ‘is just not up to the task†in Tunisia. Therefore he is looking to ring in last-minute changes before the first game against Benin on Tuesday.
Tournament debutants Benin should not give South Africa much trouble. Bafana Bafana need to win this game convincingly without conceding a goal if they hope to progress. The latter requirement is in doubt, however, as Bafana Bafana have contrived to score two own goals in two recent games.
Next up are Nigeria. The Super Eagles are South Africa’s footballing nemesis, having beaten them on all occasions from the senior men’s team right down to the juniors and the women’s team.
When South Africa won the Nations Cup in 1996 the Nigerians were excluded for political reasons. They have always insisted that had they been part of that tournament South Africa would never have lifted the cup. This does not seem an idle boast and Bafana Bafana have to put this hoodoo to rest. They can no longer say they are on a learning curve.
After Nigeria, Bafana Bafana face Morocco on two fronts — the tournament and the battle to host the 2010 World Cup. This encounter will be crucial to both countries both in terms of progress in Tunisia and prestige in terms of which country would be the better host for the world showpiece.
South Africa hold the upper hand on the playing field, having beaten them in both the 1998 and 2002 African Cup of Nations.
The latter victory, 3-1 in Mali, came courtesy of goals from Siyabonga Nomvete.
Again South Africa’s best hope will lie with this Udinese midfielder — and with his former African Wand-erers teammate Sibusiso Zuma.