SEMI-PROS SHOW US
More embarrassment for Bafana Bafana
FOR Bafana Bafana it doesn t rain but it
’ pours. The malaise afflicting the national team showed no signs of fading anytime soon as Bafana battled to a 1-all draw against Botswana in a 2014 World Cup qualifier here yesterday.
Morgan Gould headed Bafana into the lead as early as the 14th minute, but an inability to punch above their weight saw Bafana concede before half-time.
They have already dropped four points in the first round, a result which begs the question: Will we ever qualify for this major tournament?
For the record, Bafana were playing against semi-professionals, most of whom earn a living doing menial work.
Apart from notable names such as Phenyo Mongala and Jerome Ramatlhakwane, the Zebras team was teeming with unknowns, whose ambitions are probably no higher than to play in the PSL.
Gould rose highest to connect with a well-weighed corner kick taken by Steven Pienaar, breaking his Bafana duck as he scored his first international goal.
But it was cancelled out when Ofentse Nato rammed in an equaliser for Botswana in the 38th minute.
Botswana were impressive, without being brilliant and they deserved more than a point from the game.
Bafana, however, had their hearts in their mouths, suffering an early scare as striker Joel Mogorosi hit the crossbar with a strong header as early as the third minute.
Decked in black and blue, the local fans packed the tiny venue, with a tinge of yellow and green diluting the blue Zebras sea.
The sunny skies and a slight afternoon winter chill made for perfect playing conditions as both seemed to thrive, even on a sub-standard pitch.
Safa president Kirsten Nematandani led the contingent, which included vice-presidents Danny Jordaan and Mandla Mazibuko, head of delegation Lefore Lerefolo and several national executive members, as well as former Bafana skipper, legend Lucas Radebe and Kaizer Chiefs general manager Bobby Motaung.
Bafana came into the game tipping from a point of near-crisis early in their qualifying campaign. They badly needed victory following a poor draw against Ethiopia at home and coach Pitso Mosimane s sacking.
’ Steve Komphela had little pressure coming into the match as a caretaker coach. But there s no denying that he also needed to
’ make a strong case to secure the job on a permanent basis after he was short-listed this week.
He tweaked the team slightly from the previous squad that played the Black Lions last week, handing Punch Masenamela his first start for Bafana in the absence of injured Tsepo Masilela.
There was also a first starting berth for Oupa Manyisa in place of Reneilwe Letsholonyane in the attacking-midfield position.
Teko Modise came in the second half, and Thabo Matlaba and Tukelo Rantie to minimal effect in the second half.
But Botswana coach Stan Tshosane handed out three new caps, following the retirement of key players. But the rookies acquitted themselves with aplomb yesterday, almost embarrassing their idols ”.
“Do Bafana still have the ability to compete on an international stage?
On the evidence of the last two matches, it would be hard to say with conviction.