The Bafana Bafana Thread

cr@zydude said:
I'll post the article when I'm at my pc, but kick off ran a story on Bafana stats, wins losses and draws, since 1992. It makes for some sad reading but we've been stagnant for more than a decade.

While Pitso isn't the greatest coach, and is arrogant, he can't be blamed for a lack of players. We have no player base to work from.
Click to expand...
I have to disagree with this. We have players but the problem is the player selection process and the overall strategic direction.

* The national team is overflowing with players mainly from Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates, while good players like those from the likes of Santos, Platinum Stars, etc rarely get a look in. Case in point is Erwin Isaacs from Santos who has been doing very well over a past seasons but is yet to be called into the team. Flops like Teko Modise get called and get dropped and get called again. His selection of players seems to be chaotic at times.

* Pitso's overall strategy and direction is also questionable and confused. If you want to go to the WC why waste time playing a B-team against Zimbabwe team dominated by PSL players? There is even talks that we will play INDIA. If Pitso wants to increase the pool of players available, he needs to give them a chance against quality opposition. i.e. the game against Ivory coast was an ideal platform to give the likes of Kermit Erasmus, Bradley Grobbler a chance.

* Why play a right back in a left back position when you have a natural left back on the bench who is young and one for the future.

* Also he says there are no strikers in South Africa other than Mphela but he always plays him as a lone striker. How are supporting strikers going to come to the fore if they never get a chance to play?

* The improvement in the rankings were as a result of Parrera picking a consistent team over a period of time. Pitso could have taken the same team that drew with Ivory Coast to Zimbabwe and only introduce new players here and there during the course of the the game. He needs to start building a consistent starting eleven plus subs now that will play at the World Cup in 2014. National teams that do well all have this in common - a predictable squad and starting line up.
 
Last edited:
JungleBoy said:
I have to disagree with this. We have players but the problem is the player selection process and the overall strategic direction.

* The national team is overflowing with players mainly from Sundowns, Chiefs and Pirates, while good players like those from the likes of Santos, Platinum Stars, etc rarely get a look in. Case in point is Erwin Isaacs from Santos who has been doing very well over a past seasons but is yet to be called into the team. Flops like Teko Modise get called and get dropped and get called again. His selection of players seems to be chaotic at times.

* Pitso's overall strategy and direction is also questionable and confused. If you want to go to the WC why waste time playing a B-team against Zimbabwe team dominated by PSL players? There is even talks that we will play INDIA. If Pitso wants to increase the pool of players available, he needs to give them a chance against quality opposition. i.e. the game against Ivory coast was an ideal platform to give the likes of Kermit Erasmus, Bradley Grobbler a chance.

* Why play a right back in a left back position when you have a natural left back on the bench who is young and one for the future.

* Also he says there are no strikers in South Africa other than Mphela but he always plays him as a lone striker. How are supporting strikers going to come to the fore if they never get a chance to play?

* The improvement in the rankings were as a result of Parrera picking a consistent team over a period of time. Pitso could have taken the same team that drew with Ivory Coast to Zimbabwe and only introduce new players here and there during the course of the the game. He needs to start building a consistent starting eleven plus subs now that will play at the World Cup in 2014. National teams that do well all have this in common - a predictable squad and starting line up.
Click to expand...

On your first point, I agree. There is a tendency to draw more players from Chiefs/Pirates/Sundowns and over look others.

I'm all for getting new players into the team, but it needs to be done gradually. 1 or 2 new players in the starting line up, and get new caps onto the field as subs, with meaningful game time. If an experiment like the match against Zimbabwe is wanted, we should use our so called development team. That team is instead filled up with 25 year old+ players who can't get a start for their clubs, play in provincial leagues or are free agents.

I'm also abffled by why he keeps playing Gaxa on the left. Punch plays left back each week, and Bevan Fransman does it often enough for his club.

On strikers, we are poor. We should be playing 2 strikers upfront, but we do lack decent strikers.

I'd like to think that we should have a consintant 11 for qualifiers, and then mix it up for some of the friendlies. I'd also love to see some of the week long PSL breaks (for cup matches) used for friendlies with PSL players.

In other news, looks like Bafana will also play Zambia next January. FIFA has fixtures against India on 7th and Zambia on the 11th.
 
cr@zydude said:
O

>>>>>

In other news, looks like Bafana will also play Zambia next January. FIFA has fixtures against India on 7th and Zambia on the 11th.
Click to expand...

What is India's FIFA ranking ? I have never seen them in any of the FIFA tournaments. Are they even active FIFA members?
 
The CAF U-23 Championship started in Morocco yesterday. It's an 8 team tournament and is the African qualifier for the Olympics. There are 2 groups of 4 teams each. SA is in Group B with the Ivory Coast, Egypt and Gabon. The top 2 teams progress to the semi-finals. The top 3 teams, finalists and 3rd place winner, go to next year's Olympics. The 4th place team goes to a play off against an AFC team.

Group A has host Morocco, Nigera, Senegal and Algeria. Last night Morocco beat Nigeria 1-0 and Algeria beat Senegal 1-0.

The squad is entirely SA based with SAFA claiming the overseas based clubs refused to release players. Several other teams have European based players, so I'll leave the validity of their statement up to you.

SA UNDER-23 SQUAD
Goalkeepers
Brilliant Khuzwayo (Thanda Royal Zulu), Brighton Mhlongo (Orlando Pirates), Sage Lottering (Moroka Swallows)

Defenders
Siyabonga Zulu (Blackburn Rovers), Sibisuso Mxoyana (Orlando Pirates), Eric Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic), Thulani Hlatswayo (Ajax CT), Gladwin ****olo (Jomo Cosmos), Mxolisi Mayongo (AmaZulu)

Midfielders
Mandla Masango (Kaizer Chiefs), Sameehg Doutie (Orlando Pirates), Christopher Flandorp (University of Pretoria), Thamsanqa Sangweni (AmaZulu), Sibusiso Khumalo (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bhongolwethu Jayiya (Wits), Khulekani Madondo (Maritzburg United), Jabulani Shongwe (Mamelodi Sundowns).

Strikers
Phumelele Bhengu (Witbank Aces), Rodney Ramagalela (Black Leopards), Ryan Eugene (Santos)
 
Last edited:
South Africa's under 23 team play their first match tonight, against the Ivory Coast. Coverage is on Super Sport 4 and SABC 1, with kick off at 22:30 SA time.

After tonight, the team's next match is on Wednesday against Gabon and then against Egypt on Saturday.
 
Last edited:
SA drew 1 all with Ivory Coast last night. They scored through Bengu in the first half but we're reduced to 10 men early in the second. The SA keeper saved a penalty, but conceded late in the match.
 
Do they have to win the tournament to qualify for London? How many places does Africa get at the olympics?
 
This is very late, but these are Bafana's January friendlies: They will be playing Guinea on Thursday, 5 January, at Nuevo Estadio de Malabo. They then play Zambia on 11 January at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville and Ghana on 15 January at the Royal Ba***eng Sports Palace in Phokeng.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Lierse SK, Belgium), Rudiger Gilbert (Free State Stars), Anele Ngcongca (Racing Genk, Belgium), Nazeer Allie (Ajax Cape Town), Musa Bilankulu (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Morgan Gould (SuperSport United), Mulomowandau Mathoho (Bloemfontein Celtic), Siyabonga Sangweni (Orlando Pirates), Punch Masenamela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Patrick Phungwayo (Bidvest Wits)

Midfielders: Andile Jali, Oupa Manyisa (both Orlando Pirates), Thanduyise Khuboni (Lamontville Golden Arrows), George Maluleka, Granwald Scott (both Ajax Cape Town) ,Daylon Claasen (Lierse SK, Belgium), Daine Klate (Orlando Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siphiwe Tshabalala (both Kaizer Chiefs), May Mahlangu (Helsingborgs IF, Sweden), Mzikayise Mashaba (Free State Stars), Teko Modise, Themba Zwane (both Mamelodi Sundowns)

Strikers: Ryan Chapman (Bidvest Wits), Bradley Grobler (Goztepe SK, Turkey), Lehlohonolo Majoro (Kaizer Chiefs), Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Siyabonga Nontshinga (Jomo Cosmos)
Click to expand...

Not all European based players could be called, as these matches are not on FIFA dates
 
Last edited:
The Bafana squad for next Wednesday's match against Senegal has been announced:

Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Wayne Sandilands.

Defenders: Morgan Gould, Eric Mathoho, Wayne Arendse, Punch Masenamela, Tsepo Masilela, Bongani Khumalo, Siboniso Gaxa, Anele Ngcongca.

Midfielders: Thanduyise Khuboni, Thamasanqa Sangweni, George Maluleka, Teko Modise, Kagisho Dikgacoi, May Mahlangu, Daylon Classen, Steven Pienaar, Thulani Serero, Lebohang Mokoena.

Strikers: Katlego Mphela, Siyabonga Nontshinga, Edward Manqele.
Click to expand...

Sport 24

There are no Orlando Pirates players, to give them time to prepare for next Saturday's CAF Champions League match.
 
R13... said:
Did you think to read the comment above your one before this release of a post you made?
Click to expand...

Clearly not :D

Looks like a reasonably strong team. Going to be a tough game though.
 
McT said:
Clearly not :D

Looks like a reasonably strong team. Going to be a tough game though.
Click to expand...

Decent team, but Pitso likes his tried and tested (though not great) team. Andrew Surman seems to have turned down his call up, still wanting to play for England. Edward Manqele is a good call up, 7 goals in 14 matches, but what is Siyabonga Nontshinga doing in the team?

edit: An SA u20 team has also been called up, to start preperations for April's African Youth Championship qualifiers:

Siyabonga Zulu Blackburn Rovers
Asive Langwe Wits
Daylon Appolis Wits
Conley Miller Wits
Muhamed Zaid BidvestWits
Lebo Ngubeni University of Pretoria
Junior Sibana University of Pretoria
James Bell Golden Arrows
Nkosingiphile Gumede Golden Arrows
Mbongeni Gumede Sivutsa
Siphesihle Zwane Sivutsa
Aphiwe Mlalandle Sivutsa
Ayanda Ndlovu Maritzburg United
Sifiso Mnguni Marirtzburg United
Andile Nqabeni Thanda Royal Zulu
Xolani Ngema Witbank Spurs
Tamon Litchfield Atlie
Thembani Nkomo Atlie
Menzi Masuku Mpumalanga Aces
Shane Kock Vasco Da Gama

There are also reports that Kgosi Ntlhe, SA born but playing for Peterborough, has been invited. Even if he hasn't, the fact that SAFA has started noticing that there are SA players who didn't play in the PSL is a good sign. The team will play Botswana away on 29 February, and home on 4 March.
 
Last edited:
Fuma said:
I don't blame him.He left this country when he was like 2 years old? Not sure.
Click to expand...

He left when he was 8 or 9, so he probably sees himself as completely English, though his chances of breaking into the England team are slim to none.

I'm glad that SAFA is at least trying to get players like him. Countries like Ghana, Tunisia, Senegal , Algeria and Equatorial Guniea have all been getting European born/raised and trained players into their teams.
 
Pitso has gone with a more attacking starting line up:

Itumeleng Khune
Morgan Gould, Tsepo Masilela, Bongani Khumalo, Anele Ngcongca
Kagisho Dikgacoi, May Mahlangu, Steven Pienaar, Thulani Serero
Katlego Mphela, Edward Manqele

At half time it stills 0-0.
 
It ended goalless last night:

South Africa played to a goalless draw with Senegal in an international friendly at a rainy Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Wednesday night.

There was no intensity, not enough movement, passion or energy from South Africa, who were afforded an extra training session over their opponents.

The first half was a dull affair, with neither side employing a wealth of attacking ambition. The hosts dominated possession, with Senegal’s young side, made up mainly of Under-23 players, happy to sit back and go through the motions.

The best chance of the opening 45 minutes fell to May Mahlangu. He initially won the ball on the right, played a good pass through to Serero, followed the move and was put through one on one against the keeper. But he shot straight at Bouna Coundoul.

Thulani Serero’s fancy footwork saw him almost walk through the visitor’s defence, but Katlego Mphela’s shot was too weak to trouble Coundoul. ‘Killer’ was a shadow of his goalscoring self in the encounter, and actually stole the ball off ‘Cream’, who was carrying the momentum.

On the half-hour mark, Kagisho Dikgacoi threaded through a nice ball for Edward Manqela, but he was caught offside. Early in the second half, the man from Free State Stars would spurn another such chance as he failed to beat the offside trap.

There was an appeal for a penalty from Bafana as there was a small push on Mphela in the box, but it was quickly waved away from refereeRuzive Ruzive.

Itumeleng Khune didn’t have much to do but punch out a corner from Dama Ndoye, before Tsepo Masilela ended the half with a shot that Coundoul easily picked out.

After the interval, play trickled on again with no real intensity until a brilliant ball from Anele Ngcongca was headed robustly byMphela with 58 minutes on the clock, but Coundoul was equal to the effort.

The visitors' best chance of the encounter came 10 minutes later when Ndiaye Deme Ndiaye put in a dangerous cross from the left flank, but Ndoye couldn’t make contact with the ball after sliding in.

A triple change by Pitso Mosimane, who had already replaced ‘KG’ and Masilela with Thanduyise Khuboni and Punch Masenamela respectively seemed to liven Bafana up a bit.

Teko Modise, Lebohang Mokoena and George Maluleka werebrought on for Serero, Manqela and Steven Pienaar.

Mphela and Modise combined well before the latter’s clever ball from the right was directed towards Mahlangu. The 22-year-old contested for the ball, but picked up a knock in the process and Thamsanqa Sangweni replaced him.

Mphela went close again for Bafana on 85 minutes, before with just a minute remaining Masenamela played in Modise, who reached for his shot and it was thus a tame effort.

But before the final whistle, ‘Donadoni’ displayed excellent technique to bring the ball down, before curling a shot that shaved the topnetting.

It was a fitting end – Bafana promised so much, but with time up, almost once again didn’t count.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X