Players from a rampant Mamelodi Sundowns are poised to dominate when the Bafana Bafana squad to play Namibia in a friendly in Windhoek next Wednesday is announced on Tuesday.
However, it would not be surprising if a good number of South Africa’s leading overseas-based players ultimately turn out to be no more than phantom selections.
The reason for this disturbing situation is that, in spite of pious proclamations on the part of the South African Football Association (Safa) that a ”new deal” is in the offing as preparatory work begins towards building a suitably qualified national team for the 2010 World Cup, the maxim that ”everything has changed, but nothing has changed” appears very much the order of the day.
Caretaker coach Pitso Mosimane says it is his task to select South Africa’s strongest squad to face the Namibians in view of the start of the crucial 2008 African Nations Cup qualifying campaign against the Democratic Republic of Congo early in September.
”And that is exactly what I intend to do,” said the forthright Supersport United coach. He is temporarily wearing the cap of national coach while Safa go about the business of ultimately securing former Brazil national coach Carlos Alberto Parreira for the position.
Mosimane seems very much on the right track in his assessment, particularly as next Wednesday has been designated by Fifa for international matches and it would appear mandatory for all South African players to make themselves available to face the Namibians.
Other sources within Safa, however, have indicated that many of the ”big name” overseas-based players will not be heading for Namibia. And where does that leave Bafana? In a usual state of confusion.
A saving grace is the impressive pre-season form of Sundowns, which should ensure a sizeable contingent from last Saturday’s Telkom Charity Cup winners forming the solid base of the Bafana squad.
It would be a major surprise indeed if Sundowns players Calvin Marlin, Vuyo Mere, Surprise Moriri and Dillon Sheppard were not among the players named by Mosimane. Other Brazilian squad members in line for selection include David Kannemeyer, Benson Mhlongo, Michael Manzini, Godfrey Sapula and Josta Dladla.
As for a ”strongest available Bafana squad”, wait with bated breath for the outcome. — Sapa