Eduan Roos

Johannesburg – What is more important than your team’s most famous victory to date?

The next game, says Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena.

That is why South Africa have to be at their very best when they take on Ghana at Soccer City outside Soweto in their first international since the World Cup.

However, the South Africans have had very little playing time since beating giants France in their final World Cup group match in Bloemfontein just under two months ago.

The Black Stars were the big success story of the World Cup and were robbed of an historic semi-final spot by quarter-final opponents Uruguay.

“Ghana were Africa’s pride at the World Cup and have a number of players that can change the game in the blink of an eye,” said Mokoena, who plays his club football at Portsmouth in England.

He and his fellow defenders will have their hands full with striker Asamoah Gyan.

“Everyone knows by now that they have a very good team and won’t easily be beaten, but Bafana also surprised a lot of people. I still get a lot of fans asking me how we managed to do so well when no-one gave us a chance,” said Mokoena.

Prior to their win over France, South Africa drew 1-1 with Mexico. However, the host country bowed out on the back of an inferior goal difference to Mexico after being beaten 3-0 by Uruguay.

Mokoena views the match as the start of a new era for Bafana.

“The win over France was our most famous to date, but Ghana will be a different story. It will be a friendly in name only.”

He insists there is no problem between himself and coach Pitso Mosimane, in spite of rumours that they don’t get along and that he will shortly be axed.

“I’m enjoying playing for Bafana more than ever before. I still have a lot to offer in our bid to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and the next World Cup in 2014, so there is no talk of an early retirement,” he said.

Meanwhile. Andile Jali (SA) has been declared fit after injuring an ankle at the weekend.