Gordon Igesund has called on Bafana Bafana to step out of the shadow of the class of 1996 and write their own name in the record books at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
The national game has been on a steady decline since Bafana last hosted the Nations Cup 17 years ago, Clive Barker’s heroes of ’96 looking ever-more a stunning one-off as South Africa have crashed to the continental abyss.
After failing to qualify for the last two Nations Cup finals, the lifeline of hosting in 2013 has invariably raised hope, however delusional, that Bafana can overcome the odds and triumph once again.
Igesund has been preaching, to borrow from Monty Python, the bright side of life, in the build-up to the tournament, and yesterday was no different as Bafana completed their final training session for this evening’s warm-up match against Algeria at Orlando Stadium (kick-off 8.30pm).
“From the players’ point of view and my point of view, the ’96 group were outstanding and did a wonderful job,” he said.
“I have spoken to the players and told them that it is a good motivation, but it is also time to step up and say it is our time now, in 2013, our time to make history.”
Igesund’s comments were endorsed by captain Bongani Khumalo. “We are well aware of the history, we all know what a proud moment ’96 was for every football fan in the country,” said Khumalo.
“Having the tournament here again, people are reminded of that. The players are well aware of it, we would love to be legends as well.
“It is up to us to make the most of it, we would love to celebrate great things.”
Algeria provide a final opportunity for Bafana to test-drive their skills before the competitive action gets under way on January 19 against Cape Verde at the National Stadium.
Bafana went down in their last friendly, at home to Norway on Tuesday, and Igesund admitted he would like to take down the Desert Foxes to give his side impetus going into the Cape Verde match. “The sooner we get going the better, and hopefully it will be against Algeria.
“They are tough, good opponents, I chose them after the finals draw. We need to play this type of team, they are very similar to Morocco (also in Bafana’s group) and Cape Verde in that they are also a very European-type of team.”
Igesund reiterated that he would not be fielding his strongest possible team against Angola. “You can’t show all your cards, you can only do that on the training field,” he said.
Igesund did admit, however, that he already had in his head the side that would start against Cape Verde.
“I know the team I will field and exactly how we are going to play,” said the Bafana coach.
Igesund appears certain to give central midfielder Dean Furman a run against Algeria, while Kagiso Dikgacoi is likely to be rested. If yesterday’s training session is anything to go by, meanwhile, Thulani Serero will remain on the bench, Bernard Parker playing just behind Katlego Mphela in attack.
Mphela was the subject of boos from fans in Cape Town, behaviour that Bafana captain Khumalo feels has no place in football. “It is something you don’t want to see happen, I can’t see how it can help any player in any moment. I would like to ask the supporters to put an end to it, it is just sad really. We love the support of the fans, it drives us forward. But whenever a teammate is booed it is taxing. I don’t know what it might do to his confidence. There is no room for that in the game.”
South Africa(possible, 4-4-1-1): Khune; Gaxa, Khumalo, Sangweni, Masilela; Phala, Letsholonyane, Furman, Tshabalala; Parker; Mphela - Saturday Star