South Africa will be the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup in what will be the 19th tournament to date. Affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, the national squad were banned from FIFA for years before 1992 and are coming into the tournament to make their third appearance in a World Cup.
Whoever comes up against the host nation should realise that they flourish under pressure and the title of underdogs.
Whoever comes up against the host nation should realise that they flourish under pressure and the title of underdogs. Host to the Confederations Cup last year, South Africa were unlucky to lose out to Brazil in the semis, and Spain in the third placed playoff – proving if needs be they can take it to the big guns. Automatically qualifying for the 2010 World Cup due to their honourable status as hosts, South Africa have never made it past the group stage in a world cup tournament, so will hope this is their lucky year as the world will be looking eagerly at their progress.
South Africa will be in Group A for the 2010 World Cup, where they face Mexico, Uruguay and France, and have the esteemed honour of opening the tournament when they kick off their campaign against Mexico. While France are favourites to top the group, Group A looks to be one of the toughest to pick, as South Africa seem to thrive in front of a home crowd and in grand situations, although are realistically fighting to progress from the Group in second place. If they manage to do so, and all goes according to the stats in Group B, South Africa will most likely come up against Argentina – an unenviable task.
South Africa’s Group A Schedule
No. |
Date |
Match |
Location |
Kick-Off (Local) |
Kick-Off (AEST) |
| 1 | 11.06.10 | South Africa V Mexico | Soccer City Stadium, Johannesburg | 16.00 | 00.00 (12.06.10) |
| 17 | 16.06.10 | South Africa V Uruguay | Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria | 20.30 | 04.30 (17.06.10) |
| 34 | 22.06.10 | France V South Africa | Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein | 16.00 | 00.00 (23.06.10) |
KEY PLAYERS:
AARON MOKOENA (CAPTAIN)
Born: 25.11.1980 in Johannesburg, South Africa
Height: 1.83 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Portsmouth, English Premier League
International Debut: 1999
Aaron Mokoena can still lay claim to being the youngest player ever to have represented South Africa on the football field, and has the honourable task of leading his nation to the World Cup on home soil. Mokoena is often dubbed ‘The Axe’ as he is known for his brutal tackling, and will be crucial in defence for the host nation.
STEVEN PIENAAR
Born: 17.03.1982 in Johannesburg, South Africa
Height: 1.76 metres
Position: Midfield
Club: Everton, English Premier League
International Debut: Vs Turkey (2002)
Steven Pienaar is one of, if not the most integral player representing South Africa at the 2010 World Cup, with his fantastic ability to create opportunities when it seems there is nowhere to go. The inspirational midfielder is embarking on his second consecutive appearance in a World Cup tournament, and if his form from last year’s Confederations Cup is anything to go by, will cause troubles for any side South Africa face.
SIBONISO GAXA
Born: 06.04.1984 in Durban, South Africa
Height: 1.78 metres
Position: Defender
Club: Mamelodi Sundowns, ABSA Premiership
International Debut: Vs Cape Verde (04.06.2005)
Siboniso Gaxa has been a solid part of the South African defence since he hit the international stage five years ago. The defender has had a fair amount of experience against national sides, being a part of the South African team which went to the 2006 World Cup, and also represented his nation in the 2005 Gold Cup, the 2006 African Cup of Nations and last year’s successful appearance in the Confederations Cup.
SOUTH AFRICAN SQUAD
Position |
Name |
| Coach | Carlos Alberto PARREIRA |
| Goalkeepers | Moneeb JOSEPHS |
| Itumeleng KHUNE | |
| Shu-Aib WALTERS | |
| Defenders | Matthew BOOTH |
| Siboniso GAXA | |
| Bongani KHUMALO | |
| Tsepo MASILELA | |
| Aaron MOKOENA | |
| Anele NGCONGCA | |
| Siyabonga SANGWENI | |
| Lucas THWALA | |
| Midfielders | Lance DAVIDS |
| Kagisho DIKGACOI | |
| Thanduyise KHUBONI | |
| Reneilwe LETSHOLONYANE | |
| Teko MODISE | |
| Surprise MORIRI | |
| Steven PIENAAR | |
| MacBeth SIBAYA | |
| Siphiwe TSHABALALA | |
| Forwards | Katlego MPHELA |
| Siyabonga NOMVETHE | |
| Bernard PARKER |
