The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Bafana Bafana

  • Xenophobic Attacks: Bafana Bafana vs Chipolopolo friendly in limbo

    The lyrics by late reggae legend Bob Marley that “when the rain falls, it doesn’t fall on one man’s house top” best described current development as the xenophobic attack in South Africa is on verge of truncating a friendly match between South Africa and Zambia.

    The match fixed for Saturday which should have served as the first in charge for new Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki is on the verge of being cancelled as there are pressures on Zambia to jettison the arrangement since the attacks also extended to Gauteng which has high concentration of other Africans including Zambians.

    Although many reports indicate that Nigerians are mostly targeted but some other reports insist that it is not just Nigerians but also other African countries.

    South Africa based News24 reported that protesters and looters have targeted foreigners in different parts of Gauteng over the past few days.

    Zambia football Association is reportedly under intense pressure to call off the match billed for Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka

    Bafana Bafana Coach Molefi Ntseki and his squad are currently camping in Johannesburg and were scheduled to depart for Zambia on Thursday even as local media are said to be monitoring reaction from both SAFA and ZAFA ahead of scheduled Thursday’s departure of Bafana Bafana for Lusaka.

    Chipolopolo  : Will their friendly against Bafana Bafana hold on Saturday?

    Some other reports indicate that a number of African countries are not happy with the reported attacks in the Rainbow Nation and may not be eager to play should the match against Zambia fail prompting the need for a replacement team to face Bafana Bafana who made it to the quarterfinals of the last Nations cup before bowing out after losing 2-1 to Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Cairo Stadium.

    Samuel Chukwueze had shot Eagles into the lead in the 27th minute of the encounter but Zungu equalised for Bafana Bafana in the 71st minute but it was Troost Ekong’s 89th minute goal that finally put the match out of the reach of the South Africans who interestingly sent hosts packing in the round of 16 thanks to a lone goal by Thembinkosi Lorch in the 86th minute.

  • New Bafana Bafana Coach Ntseki to open shop against Zambia

     

    Veteran coach Molefi Ntseki has been confirmed as the new coach of Bafana Bafana. National Executive Committee (NEC) of South Africa Football Association (SAFA) made the confirmation on Saturday.

    Ntseki who has been assistant coach to virtually all the national coaches that handled Bafana Bafana thus replaces Stuart Baxter who dumped the job after leading the team to the last eight before losing 2-1 to Super Eagles at the Cairo International Stadium.

    Bafana announced the news on their official Twitter account saying that Ntseki was “unanimously endorsed by the entire SAFA NEC”

    Ntseki was assistant coach at Bloemfontein Celtic from 2010-2012 before joining SAFA as under-17 head coach.

    He was also assistant to former coaches Shakes Mashaba, Owen da Gama and recently Baxter.

     Molefi to begin with friendly against Zambia 

    Ntseki is banking on his wealth of experience garnered over the years under different coaches to deliver.

    “All these tenures have prepared me enough to stand on my own. We went as far as the quarter-finals in Egypt and I was very much part of the decision making processes and with any coach I have worked with,” Ntseki said on the SAFA website.

    Ntseki will finally have the opportunity to call the shots as the man in charge when he takes on Chipolopolo of Zambia in an international friendly on September 7.

    If there is one headache Ntseki will have to contend with, it is the must win attitude of the South African fans.

    He however advised the fans to learn to take both the good and the bad which are all part of the game.

    “South African fans love success hence their love, hate relationship with coaches. You win today, you are their number one fan, you lose the following day, and they call for your head.

    This I think is derived from their passion for the sport, their teams and Bafana Bafana in particular. However, it is my take that fans must learn to take the good and the bad in the same breath”, he told SAFA.net

     

     

     

  • BREAKING: Real Reason why Stuart Baxter quit Bafana Bafana job

    Less than 48 hours after England-born Stuart Baxter walked out of Bafana Bafana job real facts have emerged as to why the former Finland handler dumped the $33,500 (about N12.1million or 490,000 rands job.

    Baxter who was having a second romance with the national team after the first stanza from 2004 to 2006 frowned at overwhelming criticism coming from both the informed and uninformed alike.

    The Rainbow Nation is estimated to have a population of about 58.7 million with the former Kaizer Chief and Super Sports United coach saying there were “54 million national coaches in South Africa” adding that the situation does not give room for him to perform

    “I feel that I cannot continue to work with the required professionalism and passion as I have done,” he said

    As if that was not enough headache, a good percentage of the South African media were not satisfied with his performance which explains they welcomed his decision in a jiffy.

    Baxter first stint was considered a major flop losing four out of five matches leading to the 2018 World cup.

    Though Bafana Bafana got a standing ovation at the Nations cup when the edged out hosts Egypt in the round of 16, the party was however short lived after they were shown the door by eventual third place winners Nigeria in the quarterfinals

    Baxter joins the list of coaches that have been sent packing since the curtain fell on the continental fiesta close to two weeks ago. Clarence Seedorf was the first casualty after he failed to help Indomitable Lions of Cameroon defend their title following a round of 16, defeat by Nigeria.

    Others are Javier Aguirre who handled Egypt, Ricardo Mannetti, Paul Put and Emmanuel Amunike who though qualified Taifa Stars to the Nations cup for the first time in 39 years failed to win a match, Losing to Senegal, Kenya and eventual tournament champions Algeria and conceding 8 goals and scoring two.

     

    Read Also: Baxter resigns as coach of South Africa

  • Buhari congratulates Super Eagles for 2019 AFCON qualification

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday congratulated the Super Eagles of Nigeria on their qualification for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

    The team’s  1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Johannesburg on Saturday had secured the team the ticket.

    In a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and publicity, Femi Adesina, the President joined millions of football-loving Nigerians in commending the team for their spirited and disciplined performance against a very formidable opponent which earned them qualification with the final match against Seychelles a mere formality.

    Read Also: Super Eagles invitation shocks Afelokahi

    Having keenly followed the senior national football team’s progress in the qualifying stages, President Buhari was enthused by their confidence, sense of patriotism and professionalism, and recommended these attributes to other Nigerians.

    He equally commended the coaching crew, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Supporters Club, especially Nigerians residing in South Africa who turned out in great numbers to cheer the players, for a job well-done, and assured them of the unflinching support of the Federal Government going forward.

    The President wished the young Nigerian football ambassadors more successes as they prepare for the AFCON tournament in Cameroon.

     

  • Bafana Bafana drags Eagles to Johannesburg

    Bafana Bafana of South Africa has announced it will host the Super Eagles in a crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier on November 17 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.

    Bafana’s recent matches have been staged in Durban. However, SAFA announced that the country’s team will now play their next two AFCON qualifiers at the 80,000-capacity FNB Stadium against The Pirates of Seychelles on October 13 and Nigeria on November 7.

    South Africa are second in Group E with four points, same as leaders Libya, after two rounds of matches. In June 2017, they beat Nigeria 2-0 in Uyo to record their first-ever win over the Eagles in an official game.

  • Disu warns Rohr on tactics against Cameroon

    Disu warns Rohr on tactics against Cameroon

    Tunde Disu, former Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on Sunday warned Super Eagles coach Genort Rohr against wrong tactics against Cameroun in the Russia 2018 qualifiers on September 1.

    Disu told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the team’s tactical formation against South Africa in the AFCON qualifiers was wrong and should not be used again.

    He said that the Eagles loss to Bafana Bafana in the AFCON qualifiers was due to wrong tactical formation, adding that the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun would be more tactical.

    “The formation used by Rohr during the AFCON qualifier against South Africa is wrong tactics. He cannot use a supporting striker as an arrow head when using 4-3-3.

    “Rohr should know that Kelechi Iheanacho cannot spearhead attack, that is not his role and that is why he is roaming about during the match against South Africa without a shot at goal.

    “I want them to sit down and analyse the match themselves, that system is faulty because most teams can now predict the formation. If we use that selection and tactics, we will be embarrassed.

    “Rohr should align with the modern tactics of play rather than stick with the old play which will not benefit us. We are too predictable now.

    Disu said that the players at the disposal of Rohr were good enough to accommodate another formation which was less probable to opposing teams.

    “We cannot continue to use the 4-3-3 formation, it’s outdated and counterproductive. We should rather play 4-2-3-1 which is far better for the defenders.

    “The players determine the system and not the system that determines the players. It is better to have two defensive midfielders in front of the defenders, maybe if there is an overlapping one.

    “Playing 4-3-2-1 formation also means that we need intimidating strikers like the late Rashidi Yekini to torment the opposing teams. We have Gbolahan Salami before but I don’t know if he is not called.

    “The lone striker may be very tall and strong to hold the ball up as his midfielders while full-backs join him in attack. The striker could also be very fast.

    “African soccer is more physical and there is need for us to have a strong striker in the manner of Salami that can torment the defence of our opponent,’’ he said.

    Disu warned Rohr to be wary of Cameroun threat could pose to the Eagles’ qualification, adding that a loss to Indomitable Lions would close the qualification ticket.

    “I want the coach to be careful with the Cameroonians so that they will not scuttle our chances; any defeat to them closes the qualification ticket.

    “It does not matter where we are now because we won’t be begging Cameroun to lose any of their games after defeating us.

    “The Indomitable Lions are in form now and they are using the modern formation. Rohr needs to change that formation or else we will be out of contention.

    “To beat those indomitable Lions, a very good top 9 will be a good option and not necessarily to score goals but to torment the defence line and maybe to create chances for others,’’ he said.

    Disu said that other countries and clubs have been winning through the golden formation, noting that countries that had yet to play the style were lagging behind.

    “I want to give the example between Spain national team and the Germans. The Germans are more tactical in their formation and are not playing false 9 like their Spanish counterparts.

    “The golden formation continues to have the upper hands. In these cases, the opponent’s defense will be forced to fall back early, thereby leaving space for the offensive central midfielder.

    “Rohr does not need to inject fresh blood into the team but play within what he has to achieve better results. We are blessed with players that can suit the golden formation.

    “The coach should also have two options in which he can switch and Iheanacho should drop back for a strong striker for him to be effective,’’ he said.

  • Eagles defeat stuns stakeholders day after

    Eagles defeat stuns stakeholders day after

    Some football enthusiasts are still shell-shocked to find words to describe the Super Eagles defeat by Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the campaign to qualify for the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

    Según Odegbami, a former Green Eagles player told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos that he was yet to find words to explain what went wrong.

    “Honestly I’d be lying if I said anything much concerning this match. I can’t comprehend what really happened.

    “It’s so sad that we lost on our own turf. Nothing could salvage it,’’ he said.

    Nduka Ugbade, Captain of the U-16 squad that won the 1985 FIFA Championship also told NAN that he was still in shock.

    “I don’t know what to say. It’s very sensitive. As passionate as I’m  about football, I can’t tell you exactly how I feel. I am still in a state of shock.

    “I know so many football fans will take a long while to get over this loss and I’m certainly not an exception,’’ he added.

    Bright Omokaro, a former Super Eagles defender told NAN that the players’ fitness level was low.

    “If you watch the match, you will understand that the players were not fit at all, apart from inexperience and all. It was sad to watch.

    “Even the technical crew, it wasn’t like they knew what they were doing. After the first half, I was expecting some drastic change,  but the match went on without much difference. It’s sad,’’ he said.

    Super Eagles lost 0-2 in its bid to qualify for the 2019 Nations Cup.

    The Nigerian team last qualified for Africa’s most prestigious tournament in 2013, which they won.

  • Bafana Bafana shock Super Eagles 2-0 in Uyo

    Bafana Bafana shock Super Eagles 2-0 in Uyo

    BAFANA Bafana of South Africa recorded their first-ever competitive victory over Nigeria when they defeated the Super Eagles 2-0 in a 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier tonight in Uyo.

    Nigeria and South Africa have clashed 12 times before tonight and Bafana Bafana had only won a friendly 13 years ago.

    It was also the first loss by Eagles coach Gernot Rohr since he took over the team in July 2016.

    Libya now lead Group E after they trounced Seychelles 5-1 on Saturday in Cairo, Egypt.

    In March 2018, Nigeria will be away to Seychelles, while Libya will be guests of South Africa.

    Tekelo Rantie headed Bafana Bafana in front after 54 minutes when he powered home a cross from the right past Akpeyi with the Nigeria defence guilty of ball watching.

    It was a just reward for the visiting team, who came out to play after a scoreless first half.

    South Africa, who continued to enjoy more of the ball after their goal, doubled their lead in the 80th minute through Percy Tau, who rounded up Akpeyi off a through ball by Dolly to score.

    Earlier in the second half, Themba Zwane crashed the Nigerian post a second time in the 79th minute with the Nigeria defence all at sea.

    And moments later a penalty appeal by Bafana Bafana was overlooked by the Tunisian referee after Keegan Dolly appeared to have been fouled by Chidozie Awaziem inside the Super Eagles box.

    Bafana Bafana cleared off the goal line on 79 minutes when Etebo fired at goal as Nigeria continued to chase the game.

    The Super Eagles enjoyed more of the ball in the first 45 minutes, but they could have gone behind against the run of play three minutes from the interval when goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi spilled a cross from the left, but Zwane’s shot from inside the box somehow came off the post.

  • Bafana Bafana shocks Eagles with 2-0 defeat

    Bafana Bafana shocks Eagles with 2-0 defeat

    The Super Eagles on Saturday lost 0-2 to Bafana Bafana of South Africa.

    They lost in the African Cup of Nation qualifier played at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo to the shock of many Nigerian fans.

    The two goals were scored in the second half of the match.

  • AFCON Qualifier: South Africa can’t stop Nigeria, says Odegbami

    AFCON Qualifier: South Africa can’t stop Nigeria, says Odegbami

     

    Former  Nigeria international, Segun Odegbami (MON), says South Africa or any other country cannot stop the Super Eagles from qualifying for the 2019 edition of the Africa Nations Cup.

    The Super Eagles will take on the Bafana Bafana in Cameroon 2019 qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Saturday and Odegbami noted that there will be no justification for Nigeria to miss the AFCON again after missing out in the last two editions.

    In a chat with NationsSport in Lagos, the Nigerian football icon said, “I think it is abnormal that one of the richest countries in terms of natural talent of football, a country with our resources both mineral and human, a country with deep rich history in football should not be at any Nations Cup.

    “It is a totally unacceptable thing and we should all cover our faces, that for the past two editions, Nigeria was not there. There is absolutely no excuse why Nigeria should not be there again and I think this opportunity that comes up on Saturday is another time for us to remember who we really are when it comes to football.

    “South Africa cannot stop us, in fact, no country in Africa should be able to stop us going to the Nations Cup. Particularly now that we have more countries participating, it’s not like to eight that used to participate. We have developed a lot, we have the largest expatriate players in Europe out of Africa.

    “So I just see this as a time of recollection, a time of rebuilding. We see what Gernot Rohr has put together as a national team which has been encouraging since he became coach. We will all be witnesses to the match towards the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019,” Odegbami who won the Africa Nations Cup with Nigeria in 1980 added