Confederations Cup
Barker tips Bafana for success
2009-05-14 08:19
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Clive Barker (Gallo Images)
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Clive Barker believes Joel Santana has selected a 'balanced' squad despite the exclusion of Golden Arrows striker Richard Henyekane.
Abafana Bes'thende coach Manqoba Mngqithi on Tuesday slammed Santana for failing to call-up the Premiership's top scorer to the provisional Confederations Cup squad and his sentiments are shared by many pundits and fans.
Former Bafana Bafana boss Barker admits that Henyekane was unfortunate to be overlooked, but he praised Santana's selection and tipped the team to be successful.
"It's a good team, nicely balanced with an element of consistency in the selection and I think they should do well in the tournament," Barker told The Sowetan.
"Henyekane has been a bit unlucky not to have been selected for the Confederations Cup, the young man has been in terrific form," he added.
'The Dog' is of the opinion that the likes of Teko Modise and Steven Pienaar have the quality of the legends of old and he reckons Bafana could be the surprise package at the Confederations Cup.
He said: "In my days as coach [of Bafana Bafana], we had players like Doctor Khumalo and Shoes Moshoeu who made things happen in the midfield.
"The current team has players like Teko [Modise] and Steven Pienaar who will be looked upon to perform the same role.
"We will do well, the semi-finals is realistic. We got a good draw and are not in a bad group. The team must beat the two countries in Iraq and New Zealand.
"It will be a tough one against Spain, who have some brilliant players. They are difficult for any side in the world to beat."