BAFANA Bafana are on the right track despite not reaching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, coach Gordon Igesund said after his side's 4-1 victory against Botswana at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, which was not enough to see the South Africans through to the final qualifying round.
Bafana's improbable World Cup dream was given life with Central African Republic taking an early lead against Ethiopia in Brazzaville, then holding them at 1-1 until Minyahile Teshome's 65th-minute winner for the Walia Antelopes.
That victory saw Ethiopia top Group A with 13 points, and progress to the final knockout round. South Africa ended second on 11 points.
Bafana were efficient in dispatching the Zebras on Saturday, to no avail. Igesund said the manner of the victory was another indication that they are headed in the right direction.
They have won three of their last four qualifiers under Igesund, scoring nine goals and conceding two, after starting with draws at home to Ethiopia and away against Botswana.
"I've actually got mixed feelings, because I'm absolutely thrilled with the progress the team is making and the players who are coming in. And we're scoring goals," the coach said.
"I take a look backwards and I don't think anyone's to blame for us not qualifying. It's just that the ball didn't roll for us in the beginning.
"I've been involved for four games and we've won three of them - and that's what's hurting. But . I think we've got lots of things to look forward to going to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup."
Igesund was pleased that his game plan was well executed, and had the desired results.
"I chose to put Thabo Matlaba in at left back. Tsepo Masilela has been doing well but I know Matlaba has a lot of energy and can get up and down that left touchline. And [Botswana right wing] Joel Mogorosi today, did anybody see him? We know he's a good, good player but he spent the whole day playing at right back."
Igesund sees silver lining
BAFANA Bafana are on the right track despite not reaching the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, coach Gordon Igesund said after his side's 4-1 victory against Botswana at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, which was not enough to see the South Africans through to the final qualifying round.
Bafana's improbable World Cup dream was given life with Central African Republic taking an early lead against Ethiopia in Brazzaville, then holding them at 1-1 until Minyahile Teshome's 65th-minute winner for the Walia Antelopes.
That victory saw Ethiopia top Group A with 13 points, and progress to the final knockout round. South Africa ended second on 11 points.
Bafana were efficient in dispatching the Zebras on Saturday, to no avail. Igesund said the manner of the victory was another indication that they are headed in the right direction.
They have won three of their last four qualifiers under Igesund, scoring nine goals and conceding two, after starting with draws at home to Ethiopia and away against Botswana.
"I've actually got mixed feelings, because I'm absolutely thrilled with the progress the team is making and the players who are coming in. And we're scoring goals," the coach said.
"I take a look backwards and I don't think anyone's to blame for us not qualifying. It's just that the ball didn't roll for us in the beginning.
"I've been involved for four games and we've won three of them - and that's what's hurting. But . I think we've got lots of things to look forward to going to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and 2018 World Cup."
Igesund was pleased that his game plan was well executed, and had the desired results.
"I chose to put Thabo Matlaba in at left back. Tsepo Masilela has been doing well but I know Matlaba has a lot of energy and can get up and down that left touchline. And [Botswana right wing] Joel Mogorosi today, did anybody see him? We know he's a good, good player but he spent the whole day playing at right back."
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