Bafana Bafana
Radebe backs Pitso, Somma
2010-11-15 10:37
Johannesburg - Lucas Radebe is confident Pitso Mosimane can steer Bafana Bafana to the 2012 African Nations Cup finals.
South Africa are currently at the top of Group G in their
qualifying group for the continental showpiece, but have a double-header
against champions Egypt awaiting them in March and April.
But having seen Bafana lose just one match in the last 17 as they
have jumped to their highest ranking since April 2006, ex-captain
Radebe believes they are showing very promising signs.
"I think we'll do it - they have done pretty well so far and I'm sure Pitso will be pleased to be top of the group," he told Football365.co.za.
"We seem to be moving in the right direction in terms of the
rankings but obviously the matches against Egypt next year will be the
real test.
"We have always had a lot of talent in this country and
thankfully the coach is getting the best from his players now. He has
managed to get consistency in the results and there seems to be some
depth to the squad."
Bafana will play their last international of a momentous year
when they host USA in a friendly at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
The match against Bob Bradley's men will give Mosimane the chance
to run the rule over some newcomers, with the inclusion of
Johannesburg-born, Leeds United striker Davide Somma the biggest
curiosity.
Radebe met the 25-year-old back in September and admitted he had been impressed.
"I saw him against Doncaster and he was voted man-of-the-match.
He's big and strong and he could be someone who gives the national team
an extra dimension," Radebe said.
"Davide's unknown but is coming over to give it a try. It will be
interesting to see how he gets on against USA because he has shown a
real interest in playing for the country."