18 September 2006

Mark Williams, whose two goals in an African Nations Cup final gave South Africa the continental title 10 years ago, now has a new test - leading SA's challenge to qualify for the 2006 Fifa Beach Soccer World Cup.

South Africa's Brazilian coach Marcelo Mendez looked to Williams' experience when he named the team to play in the qualifier in Durban later this month.

On Sunday, Mendez trimmed the squad from 18 down to the 12 needed for the qualifying tournament, which takes place from 26 to 30 September. His selection didn't include any surprises.

Great strides
In just a week under Mendez's coaching, the squad has made great strides and they surprised the onlookers on Sunday by beating their Brazilian coaching staff seven-one. Not much could be read into that result but, as Mark Fish quipped, he had finally beaten Brazil.

In the coming week, though, the competition will be much stiffer.

Reacting to his appointment as captain, Williams admitted he hadn't expected to be handed the leadership reins.

"I was a bit surprised when the coach named me as captain," he said. "But I guess he wanted the experience out front, and me and Mark Fish are going to have to ensure the young players settle down quickly in the tournament.

'We are here to qualify'
"It will not be easy. We are a young side and have not had much time to prepare, but we are here to qualify and I think we will."

On Saturday the mood in the camp was as damp as the rain which fell on Sunday, when Williams was rushed off to a doctor after he twisted his knee early in the morning session.

Thankfully, after some intensive physiotherapy, he was back in action on Sunday, exhibiting glimpses of the goal-scoring ability which made him a South African household name in the late 1990s.

The South African Beach Soccer Team:

Goalkeepers: Gary Johnson, Siyabonga Mbatha and Riaaz Conthitoo.

Outfield players: Mark Williams (capt), Mark Fish, Fani Shange, Prince Gumede, Alric Coles, Thando Mthembu, Siyabonga Ntetha, Lowell Kinsey and Siyabonga Dlamini.

Coaches: Marcelo Mendez and Lindani Shezi.

More information is available at Beach Soccer SA.

SouthAfrica.info reporter

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