Bafana Go For Broke

Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has revealed a host of new faces will line up against France in Bloemfontein today.

“There will be five changes in the team,” Parreira told the media ahead of what is likely to be Bafana’s swansong at the event.

The home side have nothing to lose and can go for an all out attacking approach now that they are almost certain for an early exit.

A forced change will see Moeneeb Josephs come in for the suspended Itumeleng Khune in goal, while Thanduyise Khuboni is tipped to fulfil the holding midfield role vacated by the suspended Kagisho Dikgacoi.

Further alterations to the side could see Parreira adopt a more attacking approach upfront with Bernard Parker set to partner Katlego Mphela upfront.

Mphela is a fine striker, but he has been left frustrated as the lone marksman and has not had the supply to prove a potent threat thus far.

The closest he came to scoring was when he hit the foot of the post against Mexico in the opening game.

Discarded defender Matthew Booth is tipped to start later today and could replace Bongani Khumalo at the heart of defence.

Star Everton midfielder Steven Pienaar’s place is also not safe after a disappointing last game.

Many have criticised Parreira for playing Pienaar out of position. There is no doubt the braided star prefers a left wide role rather than a central midfield one.

Surprise Moriri could also find himself in the remoulded side ahead of dreadlocked Chiefs winger Reneilwe Letsholonyane.

South Africa were abjectly poor against Uruguay and will now effectively only be playing for pride.

They are mathematically still in contention but will have to hammer France 4-0 and hope that either Mexico or Uruguay win by a big margin in their clash.

A draw for their Group A opponents will see both advance to the next round.

South Africa are set to become the first-ever host nation to crash out of the World Cup in the first round. However, Parreira took a philosophical approach.

“The group was very tough. I think it would be sad. It would be a disappointment but I do not consider it as a failure,” he said.

Post-Uruguay defeat many critics lambasted Bafana for a lack of fighting attitude and rumours have emerged that a rift has developed within the camp, with certain players unhappy with the favouritism of ‘Joburg players.’

While all may not be rosy in the Bafana camp, the French camp has descended into chaos after Nicolas Anelka was sent home. They refused to train one day this week and their football director resigned.

Certain players don’t speak, and many have lost all respect for outgoing coach, Raymond Domenech.

However, when the French cross the white lines they will also be playing for pride.

Their image has been dragged through the mud and a comprehensive win over the hosts could ease some of the agony the once proud football nation is experiencing.

“We know that the French have had long standing problems in their camp, even from before the World Cup but what has happened over the last two days we don’t expect to carry over to the pitch,” said Parreira.

For Bafana, today’s clash will be more of a mental challenge. After the Uruguay game, heads dropped, but the players have been making the right noises ahead of the clash.

While midfielder Teko Modise believes Bafana have the ability to beat France, captain Aaron Mokoena asked the fans for one more big effort from them.

“The fans have been incredible. They’ve been absolutely supportive to the team and that’s what we needed and I hope that today they will come in numbers to give the support we need.”

SI Prediction: France 2 – 1 South Africa.

Kick-off is at 4.pm.

By Grant Shub

Jun 22, 2010 | Categories: Slider, Soccer, World Cup 2010 | Tags: Aaron Mokoena, Bongani Khumalo, Carlos Alberto Parreira, France, Itumeleng Khune, Matthew Booth, South Africa, Surprise Moriri, Teko Modise | Leave A Comment »