Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira
SOUTH African football greats are talking tough ahead of Bafana Bafana’s do-or-die World Cup qualifiers, but deep down, there’s a growing fear the Warriors could gate-crash the Durban celebration.
With Bafana level on 14 points with Benin in Group C, they need back-to-back wins to keep their World Cup dream alive. The noise from Mzansi’s retired stars has been loud, confident and sometimes nervous as pressure mounts ahead of the showdown.
Former Bafana skipper Neil Tovey, who led the 1996 Afcon-winning side, kept his tone calm but firm.
“I think we don’t have to panic. Any blunder could cost us big,” Tovey told FARPost.
“We’ve got two games on Friday and Tuesday. Those are absolutely critical not only for Safa but for the players. They should be asking themselves where they want to be next year in June.
“They are only two wins away and both games are at home. But one step at a time. Win Friday first, then focus on Tuesday.”
Ex-goalkeeper John Tlale, another member of Bafana’s golden era, insisted that home soil should be enough to see them through.
“We are still in control because both games are at home, and I believe we will win them without pressure,” Tlale told KickOff.com. “The spirit in the camp is high. Yes, the games will be tough, but Billiat and Musona may have already had their time. They’ll push us, but we’ll take the three points.”
However, the loudest warning came from outspoken Manchester United assistant and now Kenya head coach Benni McCarthy.
“Football is funny, anything can happen,” McCarthy said on SuperSport’s Soccer Africa. “But if Bafana fail because of administration and not performance, then accountability is non-negotiable. People must pay. South Africa haven’t qualified for a World Cup since 2002. If it happens again due to incompetence, heads must roll.”
McCarthy’s fire stems from South Africa being docked three points for fielding suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho — a costly blunder that reignited old frustrations.
