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Robson Sharuko Senior Sports Editor
THEY came with a spring in their step and a showman, dubbed by Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo, as someone who was just too beautiful, to play international football.
It was a cheeky remark aimed at his namesake Doctor Khumalo, the poster boy of that Bafana Bafana side, embarking on their journey back into the light, after years in the darkness.
There was no questioning his model features and in the final months of their time in the wilderness, as a pariah nation, he was the star of their secluded island.
It also helped that he played for Kaizer Chiefs, the glamour club of South Africa.
And, in the year South Africa were readmitted into international football, in 1992, he was his country’s standout footballer.
He was named Footballer of the Year, amid the celebrations which greeted the country’s return into the global football family.
And, in Bafana Bafana’s first match back in the big time, a friendly against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the Doctor struck the only goal, converting a penalty, in a 1-0 victory, at Kings Park, in Durban.
By the time they arrived in Harare, all eyes were on him.
But, in terms of beauty, all the pretty things, from their lopsided battle against the Warriors, on August 16, 1992, came from the rampant hosts.
A 4-1 win, in a ’94 AFCON opener, showed the gulf in class.
“Zimbabwe dampened South Africa’s euphoria of returning to the international arena by teaching them the rudiments of the game, in yesterday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, at the National Sports Stadium,’’ the late Sam Marisa reported, in his match report, for this newspaper.
“After 22 years in the wilderness, the visitors were made to realise that ‘Shu Shine Piano’ football, in which you string together a number of passes, with very little progress, does not pay at this level of competition.’’
A brace from Peter Ndlovu, then still a teenager, including a contender for one of the best goals the Warriors have scored in their history, crushed the visitors.
It was a brutal reminder of exactly what they were, as confirmed by their nickname, a group of boys who were now playing, in the league of men.
Vitalis Takawira and Rahman Gumbo scored the other goals for the Warriors.
But, if the game provided enough material, for journalists like Marisa to come up with classic match reports, the post-match interviews also produced classic soundbites, which generated headlines.
“We played as a team and we played to instructions,’’ Mashinkila-Khumalo told The Herald. “At first, we were afraid of South Africa’s Doctor Khumalo.
“But, he was not a threat at all to us, he is too beautiful to play football.’’
It was a classic post-match quote, which would become a big part of the story, which unfolded that day as a shell-shocked Bafana Bafana were handed a hostile reception, on their return.
But, it wasn’t the only vintage quote.
Wieslaw Grabowki, the Polish coach who had coached the Warriors in the past, also mocked Bafana Bafana.
“South Africa are still playing 1954 football,’’ he said. “If they continue playing like this, they should play against countries like Botswana and Namibia, who do not play modern football like Zimbabwe.
“Tactically, we have improved tremendously and we are now playing more balls into space.’’
Nineteen fifty four football, Wieslaw?
Back to a time when Hungary thrashed England 7-1 in Budapest?
And, when Mario Kempes, who won the Golden Boot and Golden Ball, as he led Argentina to write their ’78 World Cup success story, was born.
Three years before the Confederation of African Football was formed, in Khartoum, on February 6, 1957.
And, crucially, two days before the Nations Cup, the very tournament, in which Bafana Bafana had now received their baptism of fire, was established.
For South African legend, Marks “Go Man Go’’ Mapopnyane, who came in for Shane McGregor, in the 52nd minute, in that match, the difference was the superman called Peter Ndlovu.
“I didn’t expect us to lose by such a wide margin,’’ he said.
“We didn’t play well and Zimbabwe were a better side.
“They, in fact, played with 12 men, Peter Ndlovu is two players in one.’’
But, for one man, Solomon “Stix’’ Morewa, who was the South African Football Association secretary-general, this was a blessing in disguise.
A humiliation which, with the passage of time, would actually help Bafana Bafana, in the long-run to find a formula to compete with others, on the continent.
“I think Zimbabwe took us by surprise,’’ he said. “They are a very good team, with very talented players, especially Willard Mashinkila-Khumalo and Peter Ndlovu.
“The defeat is a bitter but great lesson for South Africa.’’
And, learn they did, transforming themselves into champions of Africa, just four years, after that embarrassment in Harare.
This year, Bafana Bafana are celebrating the Silver Jubilee of their ’96 AFCON triumph and, as if on cue, they are back in the Sunshine City, for another reunion, with the Warriors.
Of course, they are not here for another dose of lessons, this time around.
And, in their line-up, they don’t have anyone, too beautiful, to play football.
Online Reporter