GOLNOIR



	SOUTH AFRICA music: LadySmith Black Mambazo Isimanga Salomhlaba The end of the legalized slavery known as apartheid allowed South Africa to finally enter the international soccer arena. While sports such as rugby and cricket were the pursuit of choice of the ruling white elite, soccer remained the favorite sport of the Black majority and players like Jomo Sono were revered. Now the majority of South Africa's population had a sporting outlet. Chosen to host the 1996 African Nations Cup Finals, Bafana Bafana as the National Team is nicknamed, made a splash in its first major competition. The overwhelmed the competition behind enthusiastic mixed race crwds and players such as Mark Fish & Doctor Khumalo and won the tournament. Bafana Bafana kept the momentum rolling when it qualified for its first World Cup in 1998 behind players like Lucas Radebe and Benni McCarthy. Their inexperience showed and they were outclassed by eventual champions France but they showed tremendous potential for a country so young. The late Sizwe Motaung was a member of the first Bafana Bafana squads (BBC) Lucas Radebe is a legendary figure in South African football (safa.org.za) THE CURRENT SQUAD South Africa again reached the World Cup tournament in 2002 and was unlucky not to reach the 2nd round. While players like McCarthy remain, the goto man has been ex-MLS player Shaun Bartlett who plays for English club Charlton Athletic. Quinton Fortune, Steven Pienaar are also key players and much will be expected of newcomer Elrio van Heerden. Benni McCarthy has been a long time stand out for S. Africa (Reuters) Bottom line: In its short life span, Bafana Bafana has shown itself capabale of challenging for African football's top spot. There is a lot of new young talent ready to make its mark. SOUTH AFRICA FACTS: Association: South African Football Association Founded: 1991 Soccer Confederation: CAF Colors: Gold, Black, Green and White National Stadium: First National Bank Stadium Location: Johannesburg Coach: Carlos Alberto Parreira World Cup appearances: 1998, 2002 HONORS: 1996 African Nations Cup Bafana Bafana National Team News Domestic News Back to Preceeding Page










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