SAFA - 1991
Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Confederation: CAF
FIFA Ranking (Dec 09): 85
Previous
Appearances: 2 (1998, 2002) Map
Background
Two World Cup appearances and one African Cup of Nations title are proof enough to confirm that South Africa has come of age, considering the fact that they entered the mainstream only in the early nineties. The South African Premier Soccer League is on the upswing and many South African players are active for various clubs in Europe and elsewhere.
the road to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa
Unlike the other countries participating in the 2010 World Cup, the story of South Africa's road to the World Cup will be the saga of how they came to be the host of this World Cup. Because South Africa is in there, in the capacity of the host nation.
However, the story is still long and goes back at least by one decade. South Africa started bidding for the world cup more than 10 years ago, but the vote was 12-11 in favour of Germany. For the next edition, Morocco was the only serious contendor, as it was already decided by the FIFA that the next World Cup would be held in the continent of Africa for the first time. But Morocco lost out 14-10, mainly because of worries of lack of infrastructure. This factor overshadowed the concerns of the high crime rate in South Africa.
Strengths
Technically perfect players, who relish dribbling contribute to the successes South Africa achieve. They are fleet footed and skillful too. The custodians of goal posts too are of the highest standards.
Weaknesses
Attack lacks sting. Goals are hard to come by. World class strikers are conspicuous by their absence.
The Coach
Carlos Alberto Parreira is the only coach in the world who has led five countries (including South Africa) to the world cup. He has won the World Cup for Brazil, could not defend it in 2006, and was sacked by Saudi Arabia, when it lost two world cup games…Thus his coaching career is full of incidents. Parreira took over the Bafana after Joel Santana, another Brazilian was sacked by SAFA.
Star Men
Steven Pienaar;
For the Bafana fans, he is the star. Highly creative in attack, he often fumbles in front of the goal. Very fast on his feet, he mesmerizes the opposition defenders.
Katlego Mphela;
Ace striker Katlego Mphela has appeared for South Africa 30 times and has scored 14 goals. He was the top scorer in his country's league with 17 goals in 30 games. This resulted in Mphela being voted the player of the season. He excels in set pieces and his free kick from 30 yards in the 2009 FIFA Confederation Cup ended up in the net of Spain and was hailed as the best of the tournament.
Bernard Parker (FC Twente);
Parker has great finishing abilities and has been consistent. He sparkles under pressure situations and does not miss many opportunities.
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Best Footballing Moment
Winning the African Cup of Nations title in 1996, defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.
World Cup Objective
South Africa is show casing the 2010 World Cup as the biggest event ever to take place in the country. Naturally, they would want their team to be alive and kicking in the tournament till the very end. But second round will be a realistic objective.
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