ONE member of Bafana Bafana's successful youth brigade, Andile Jali, has described the two overseas camps as beneficial for the team ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
ONE member of Bafana Bafana's successful youth brigade, Andile Jali, has described the two overseas camps as beneficial for the team ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Speaking after Bafana's arrival in Germany yesterday for a three-week training camp , Jali said the camps were helping to change the attitude of the team on the field.
"There is a big difference in the team since we returned from the month-long tour to South America. There is more aggression when we defend and attack," he said.
"We now work as a unit in all aspects of the game, which is something that was lacking prior to starting with real preparations for the World Cup.
"We know South Africans are a little concerned as the World Cup approaches. That has been the case with almost all host countries prior to the start of the tournament.
"France were a laughing stock in the build-up to the 1998 World Cup, but surprised all and sundry by going all the way to win the tournament.
"South Korea and Germany had the same challenges in 2002 and 2006. Korea reached the semifinals and Germany won a bronze medal.
"Bafana Bafana will be no exception.
"We urge South Africans to rally behind the team. We won't embarrass you at all," Jali said.
Ace midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane said it was important for Bafana to do well against Mexico in their opening match at Soccer City on June 11.
"The opening fixture is the most important fixture for Bafana Bafana, just like the final match. We have to do well to win the hearts of the entire nation," said Letsholonyane.
Soccer stars who will be on display during the World Cup include Steven Pienaar, Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Obafemi Martins, and Michael Essien.
rebirth of bafana Bafana
ONE member of Bafana Bafana's successful youth brigade, Andile Jali, has described the two overseas camps as beneficial for the team ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
ONE member of Bafana Bafana's successful youth brigade, Andile Jali, has described the two overseas camps as beneficial for the team ahead of the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
Speaking after Bafana's arrival in Germany yesterday for a three-week training camp , Jali said the camps were helping to change the attitude of the team on the field.
"There is a big difference in the team since we returned from the month-long tour to South America. There is more aggression when we defend and attack," he said.
"We now work as a unit in all aspects of the game, which is something that was lacking prior to starting with real preparations for the World Cup.
"We know South Africans are a little concerned as the World Cup approaches. That has been the case with almost all host countries prior to the start of the tournament.
"France were a laughing stock in the build-up to the 1998 World Cup, but surprised all and sundry by going all the way to win the tournament.
"South Korea and Germany had the same challenges in 2002 and 2006. Korea reached the semifinals and Germany won a bronze medal.
"Bafana Bafana will be no exception.
"We urge South Africans to rally behind the team. We won't embarrass you at all," Jali said.
Ace midfielder Reneilwe Letsholonyane said it was important for Bafana to do well against Mexico in their opening match at Soccer City on June 11.
"The opening fixture is the most important fixture for Bafana Bafana, just like the final match. We have to do well to win the hearts of the entire nation," said Letsholonyane.
Soccer stars who will be on display during the World Cup include Steven Pienaar, Lionel Messi, Fernando Torres, Didier Drogba, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Obafemi Martins, and Michael Essien.