Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana will not be an "easy target" at the World Cup which kicks off at Soccer City on June 11.
That was the view of Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira who came out firing from the hip at a media briefing after a Bafana training session at Marks Park on Thursday stating the confidence in the squad was sky high.
"But," added the World Cup winner with his native Brazil in 1994, "I am realistic that Bafana will not win the World Cup.
Who knows? Anything is possible but do not write off my team. I accept we are the underdogs in a difficult group. I am not asking them to win all three group matches but I have told the players to perform well and the results will come."
Bafana play Mexico in the opening Group A match at Soccer City on June 11, then play two former world champions, Uruguay at Loftus and France in Bloemfontein, to complete their group fixtures.
The experienced Parreira said his confidence in his players came from watching them over three months in three training camps (Durban, Brazil and Germany) plus an infusion of the country's overseas-based stars last week.
"This is the best bunch of players I have ever had to work with including Brazil. These guys are motivated, hard working, committed and are determined to do well. Believe me we are going to cause surprises at the World Cup."
Parreira said he would not put his players or himself under pressure ahead of the opening match against Mexico although he admitted Bafana's failure not to qualify for the 2010 African Nations Cup was a huge blow.
"It would have been a lot better had Bafana qualified for the Nations Cup in January (in Angola). It would have give the players much needed competitive experience under tough conditions.
"But, I am more than satisfied with the work and preparation we have done. Bafana will be ready for Mexico on June 11."
Parreira said he would name the same starting line-up which started the game against Thailand in Nelspruit last Sunday for Monday night's friendly against Bulgaria at the Orlando Stadium (8.30pm). Bafana thumped Thailand 4-0.
"I will make changes in the second half and slowly bring in the overseas based players. We have time to integrate all the players into a formidable unit before the start of the World Cup."
Parreira also stressed there was no division in the camp between the local and overseas based players.
"We have one team and one country. There is no such thing as local or overseas players in the squad. We are all playing for Bafana."
Parreira stated that no player is guaranteed a place in the final squad of 23 to be announced on June 1.
"It is up to the players to perform and win their places in the final squad. It is going to be heartbreaking cutting the squad as all the players deserve to be there but we are only allowed 23 players at the finals due to Fifa rules."
Parreira also said that while Argentina and Germany refused to play Bafana on May 31 he would ensure that his players play a top class opponent on that date.
"We can guarantee everyone there will be a game on May 31. It is vital part of my preparations."
