Bafana ready for tough Socceroos
Brad Morgan
8 February 2005
The last time South Africa met Australia on the football field was in March 2004, when the Socceroos edged Bafana Bafana 1-0 at Loftus Road in London. On Wednesday, South Africa get the opportunity to avenge that defeat when they tackle the Aussies at the Absa Stadium in Durban.
Shortly after that loss, Stuart Baxter took over as Bafana Bafana coach, signing a two-year deal. The South African Football Association (Safa) appear to be happy with the work he has done - which includes leading the national side to top spot in their 2006 World Cup qualifying group, one point clear of Ghana, halfway through the qualifying campaign.
Recently, Safa held talks with the British coach about a possible extension to his current contract, up until the 2010 World Cup.
That event is very much on the minds of South African soccer lovers, even though it is still quite some way off. Consistency and a settled, winning side are foremost in many South
Africans' minds, and the signing of Baxter to a longer contract would certainly appear to be a step in the right direction.
Powerful-looking squad
Baxter has taken no chances for the "friendly" against the Socceroos, calling up a powerful-looking squad that includes CAF African Footballer of the Year finalist Benni McCarthy.
His 20-man line-up includes an even split of 10 foreign-based players and 10 local stars, following the withdrawal of Bradley Carnell, who was injured in Germany at the weekend. Carnell was replaced by new Mamelodi Sundowns' signing David Kannemeyer, who will battle his club-mate Thabiso Rammile for the left back spot.
Baxter has gone with six strikers, including Dynamos' sharpshooter Sandile Ndlovu, the only new cap in the squad, whose selection is reward for a fine season in which he has banged in goals with regularity in the PSL.
"This is Ndlovu's just reward for a great season so far", Baxter said,
while warning that being selected does not necessarily mean Ndlovu will get a game.
Battle for strikers' places
Ndlovu faces tough opposition from Orlando Pirates' Tyren Arendse, Shaun Bartlett of Charlton, who recently secured a contract extension while in the middle of a run of good form, the aforementioned Benni McCarthy of European champions FC Porto, Empoli's Siyabonga Nomvete, and FC Copenhagen's tricky Sibusiso Zuma.
The hot form of McCarthy and Bartlett makes them favourites to start up front.
The midfield is loaded with playmakers. Ajax Amsterdam's gifted Steven Pienaar has struggled with injuries in recent times, but given the chance to play he can be a real difference maker.
Delron Buckley has enjoyed a superb season for Arminia Bielefeld in Germany. He's been knocking in plenty of goals and gives Bafana Bafana real quality on the left.
Pule back on track
Jabu Pule, too, is in the
squad. It appears that since moving to Austria - after a series of disciplinary and drug problems while with Kaizer Chiefs - he has settled down and made football his priority.
Joining the afore-mentioned trio in midfield are Benedict Vilakazi and Gift Leremi of PSL leaders Orlando Pirates and Quinton Fortune of Manchester United.
At the back, recent Blackburn Rovers' acquisition Aaron Mokoena will likely team with Nasief Morris of Greek champions Panathinaikos in central defence. Kannemeyer and Ramille will look after left-back, while Cyril Nzama and Siphiwe Mkhonza complete the list of defenders.
First-choice goalkeeper Hans Vonk is out of the game because of injury. Supersport United's Calvin Marlin will take over in goal for him, while Moeneeb Josephs of Ajax Cape Town will back him up.
Fifa rankings
While Australia is ranked 20 places below South Africa by football's world governing body Fifa, it is probably not a fair
reflection of the Socceroos, whose side is entirely European-based. They're a strong combination.
Bafana coach Baxter recognises that his side faces a difficult challenge. "You can't think friendly at international level", he said. "And that's one of the reasons I've selected the squad I have."
Showing that he is looking at the big picture as well, he commented: "The objective is to have continuity. We want to establish the core of our squad and work on it."
In total, South Africa and Australia have met 18 times on the football field. SA boasts 11 wins, six losses, and one draw.
Fundraiser
On the Tuesday evening before the friendly, a special fundraising dinner has been arranged at Durban's International Conference Centre to raise money for the Tsunami Disaster Fund, and for the victims of recent flooding in Kwazulu-Natal.
Safa CEO Danny Jordaan has appealed to companies to help by purchasing tables of 10, which sell at
R10 000 each.
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