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South Africa have the honour of the being the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup. They get to be participants of one of the sports' most watched spectacles for the 3rd time, but this time playing host instead of visitor. With the added incentive of playing in front of a highly partisan home crowd, South Africa will undoubtedly look to do one better than their two previous outings when they failed to make it beyond the group stages. Bafana Bafana's first appearance was in France 1998 where they nailed out two draws but failed to qualify from the group stage, and despite picking up their solitary finals win over Slovenia at Korea-Japan 2002, South Africa fell once again at the Group Stage.
The hosts are currently ranked at a lowly 90th position in the FIFA rankings and are placed in a tough group alongisde favourites France, Mexico and Uruguay. Their only saving grace against such powerful opposition is 50 million fans who will be totally be besotted with World Cup fever, and will drive will raise the roof in every single stadium with their vivid Vuvuzela musical instruments.
In 2009 South Africa hosted the Confederations Cup. The competition consisted of heavyweights such as Brazil, Italy and Spain to name a few. An impressive campaign saw South Africa reach the semi-finals of the tournament after defeating New Zealand, drawing with Iraq and losing to Spain in the group stages. They lost out to eventual winners Brazil by a single goal.
As hosts, South Africa were exempted from qualification. The team did have a change in management during the period between the two World Cup. Former World Cup winning coach Carlos Alberto Perreira resigned sighting family issues. Joel Santana replaced his fellow Brazilian but was sacked soon after a streak of 8 defeats from 9 games. Perreira has taken over now and things seem to be improving with Bafana Bafana getting good results in friendlies and competitive matches i.e. the aforementioned Confederations Cup.
South Africa's tournament begins against Mexico, who will be strong favourites to defeat the Bafana Bafana. But with the whole of Africa behind the hosts, one wouldn't be too surprised if we see an upset. Games against Uruguay and France are also likely to be really tough. South Africa are favourites to finish last in their group, but with home ground advantage you never can tell.
Key Players:
Steven Pienaar - Since joining Everton, the talented midfielder has matured into a skilled all round player and is without a doubt the injection of real class in this otherwise workmanlike side. His recent performances in the FIFA Confederations Cup have shown exactly why he will key to any South African success. The versatile midfielder would be the man the nation would be looking towards to make some magic happen.
Aaron Mokoena - The youngest ever to play for South Africa, now the most capped player for his country will lead out his side in the World Cup hoping for a good tournament in their own den. Known as "The Axe" for his tough tackling, the Mokoena can fit into either the heart of a defence, or sit in front of the back four as the shield.
Kagisho Evidence Dikgacoi -This Fulham based midfielder has played his part in a hugely successful campaign for the club. Former Golden Arrows captain, Dikgacoi excels at playing as the holding midfielder for his team.
Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United);
Defenders: Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk), Siyabonga Sangweni (Golden Arrows), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates);
Midfielders: Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Kagisho Evidence Dikgacoi (Fulham), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows), Steven Pienaar (Everton), MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan);
Forwards: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nomvethe (Moroka Swallows), Bernard Parker (FC Twente)
Top Goal Scorers: Siyabonga Nomvethe (16), Katlego Mphela (15)
Most Capped Players: Aaron Mokoena (100), Siyabonga Nomvethe (74)
Head Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira
Form Guide: (WWWDW)
May 16, South Africa 4-0 Thailand
May 24, South Africa 1-1 Bulgaria
May 27, South Africa 2-1 Colombia
May 31, South Africa 5-0 Guatemela
June 5, South Africa 1-0 Denmark
Fixtures:
11-Jun: South Africa vs. Mexico 3:00pm (GMT) - Match Report
16-Jun: South Africa vs. Uruguay 7:30pm (GMT) - Match Report
22-Jun: France vs. South Africa 3:00pm (GMT) - Match Report
Team Trivia
No host country has ever been knocked out in the first round of the World Cup- will South Africa rewrite history?
Also Read:
Group Competitior Previews: Uruguay, Mexico, France
File Photo by 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee South Africa
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