World Cup learning curve for South Africans

First timers South Africa boast plenty of European based players which should ensure they make their presence felt in a group that includes host nation France and Denmark. Lucas Radebe of Leeds captains the side that took the African Nations Cup two years ago and finished runners-up in Burkina Faso this year. South Africa headed their qualifying group, wrapping up proceedings with a scrappy 1-0 win over Congo at home. Clive Barker, responsible for introducing players from across Europe, stood down after a poor showing in the Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia with Frenchman Philippe Troussier taking over the reins after stints with Nigeria and Burkina Faso. Worryingly for Troussier is his squad's "away form" with the Bafana Bafana (The Boys) only illiciting one win from 15 matches against non-African sides. An uninspiring 1-1 draw in a friendly against Zambia -- Troussier's first game in charge -- does not augur well either. But the new coach remains philosophical, saying: "We should look beyond the result, which is not important. Nigeria won the 1996 Olympics gold medal despite losing at home to Togo in their final warm-up match." If they can hold it together they promise to be no pushovers, with plenty of experienced hands to steady any first night nerves like Radebe, Bolton Wanderer's Mark Fish, or up front Benedict McCarthy. The Ajax Amsterdam striker threatened to pull out of the World Cup squad in a row over shirt numbers, but opted to stay after being placated by Radebe.Further valuable European experience comes from Phil Masinga, in good heart for Italian serie A side Bari and his country's top scorer. Whatever their fate France 98 represents an important part of Bafana Bafana's learning curve.

© - AFP - 1998