There is an air of cautious optimism in South Africa as the country prepares for the most significant chapter of its short football history.
Recent years have brought disappointments, but Bafana Bafana have also shown that they can be a threat. In 1996 Bafana stunned the continent by claiming the Africa Cup of Nations trophy against Tunisia at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Their performance at the Fifa Confederations Cup last June — when they lost to Brazil in the semifinals and to Spain in the third place play-off — is a reminder that the team should not be underestimated.
The road to South Africa
As hosts, South Africa qualified automatically.
Star players
Steven Pienaar is Bafana’s prize asset and brings much-needed innovation and imagination to the side. Arguably just as vital to the cause are wingbacks Siboniso Gaxa and Tsepho Masilela, while Kermit Erasmus is one to watch.
The coach
Now in his second stint as coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira’s return was greeted with mixed feelings in South Africa. However, Parreira certainly has the pedigree, having led Brazil to the ultimate prize at the 1994 Soccer World Cup.
Soccer World Cup record
South Africa have failed to make it beyond the group stages in their previous appearances. Their first appearance was in France 1998; despite a drubbing to France in their opening game, they went on to draw against Denmark and Saudi Arabia. Korea/Japan 2002 was expected to be an opportunity for Bafana to step up but they crashed out despite beating Slovenia 1-0 for their first-ever Cup win.
Facts
- This is Bafana’s third appearance at the Soccer World Cup.
- Benni McCarthy scored the country’s first goal at the competition against Denmark in 1998.
- Captain Aaron Mokoena remains Bafana’s most capped player.
- South Africa won the Afcon in 1996 at their first attempt, and went on to finish as runners-up at the following edition in 1998. — Fifa