Go Bafana, go for it!
This has been on every South African’s mind and maybe the world after 2010 World Cup and the infamous vuvuzelas.
South Africans since Apartheid have wanted to succeed and that is personified in the passion for sports. And none have been placed so much hope as Bafana Bafana (South African Senior Men’s Soccer Team).
Or will they be like the girlfriend you go back to even though she lets you down over and over again?
Where They Stand in the 2019 AFCON in Egypt
Bafana Bafana have put in a valiant display to qualify for the 2019 African Continental showpiece with famous wins to Nigeria and the Libya and some weird lows as a draw to the Seychelles. But they got there…
Even though there is no mandate for Bafana Bafana but the team members wanted to make South Africa proud.
but…
After the 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast and 0-1 win to Namibia this is how it stands on the group rankings…
Do Bafana Bafana have Chance to Qualify to Knockout Rounds
As it stands it seems YES> the 12 teams ranking 1st and 2nd in the group qualify and the 4 best 3rd placed teams also qualify. That means as it stands at least Bafana Bafana have saved an inkling to to qualify, especially with some 3rd placed teams not doing as well as imagined. But…
Is it Enough For Bafana Bafana to make it Quarter Finals or Win?
That has been on all South African’s minds as they do not want to add numbers but to let the world know they love their football (soccer) and want to be proud. Soccer is a sport that unites blacks and whites if you remember Invictus (about the South African Rugby Team – Springboks winning the World Cup); South Africans set high standards for their teams.
What Needs to Fixed During This Tournament for Bafana
Bafana Bafana’s last group game is against Morocco, and since their famous friend coach Herve Renard they have not been pushovers. Beating Ivory Coast and Namibia they are not to be taken lightly. Bafana better bring their A game. From their previous games not sure if it is first game jitters (Come On, you play football professionally)… few things need to really to be fixed.
Even though there is NO MANDATES for Stuart Baxter, he will be feeling the heat with pride on the line. He should at least have noticed the few things:
Stuart, we as fans just so worried you aren’t utilizing the talent to the fullest extent. But we can only trust you… please work your magic and make us proud.
Goalkeeping: Even though there has been some sound goalkeeping by Darren Keet & Ronwen Williams, findling and being unsure on the ball has shown their jitters. They have to just make sound defensive decisions.
Defenders: would a different combination be in order as even though they saved some for Bafana Bafana, their defensive gaps left exposed by the opposition, much to the chagrin of the midfielders, having to go back…I am looking at you guys Hlanti and Mkhize.
Midfielders: we have good workers and creative footballers and they are all dedicated in Furman, Zungu, Zwane, Vilakazi, Serero… is there a good change in combination against different opposition as to dominate the midfield instead of losing balls and creating chances for the opposing side.
Strikers: There used to be lack of goals but Percy Tau, Lars Veldvijk, Lebo Mothiba have been showing promise and intent. They need to be fed more opportuntities by midfield so they can develop their confidence. They have missed some sitters but IF they advance their confidence will swell up as well.
Country’s Pride At Stake
I see that they are starting to be proud of representing South Africa, but players must remember they are also representing the fans. In order to be footballing powerhouse takes humility to work as a team and confidence to beat any opposition.
Especially if Bafana Bafana is working towards the next AFCON and the next World Cup.
As South Africans we are sore losers, but we generally want to be proud.
So…
Play convincing football.
What My Heart Tells Me
It is still to hard to tell if Bafana Bafana will make it. As a humble fan, one hopes that they make it to the next round and make South Africa proud. Please don’t disappoint the South African fans. You guys can raise a nation.
Play with your heart, reach as high as you can.
Go Bafana Bafana!!!
What do you think of Bafana Bafana’s chances? Is there anything you can think of they can do? Leave a comment to discuss.
The Daily Pumpernickel 