Confederations Cup
Benni set for Bafana return?
2009-06-29 08:48
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Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana head coach Joel Santana could only smile, but declined to comment when asked if he would recall out of favour striker Benni McCarthy to the national squad for the upcoming series of friendly matches he is hoping to use to fine tune Bafana ahead of Junes World Cup finals.
Speaking after Bafana finished fourth in the Confederations Cup that ended on Sunday, the Bafana mentor said he was working "on a number of ways to improve Bafana, including the attack".
But he did concede he was looking at beefing up his attack and would bring in a player to partner the new find of the tournament, 23-year-old Bernard Parker.
Bafana exceeded expectations by not just reaching the semi-finals of a major international competition for the first time in 13 years, but it was the way Bafana played in their last two matches against two of the best sides in the world - Brazil and Spain - that has got the country talking.
Bafana lost 1-0 to magical Brazil in the semi-finals. Brazil defeated the United States 3-2 in the final at Ellis Park on Sunday to retain their Confederations Cup title on Sunday night.
Bafana were beaten 3-2 in Sunday's third place playoff at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium by the worlds best team, according to FIFA's world rankings, Spain, thanks to a 107th minute goal in extra time scored by Xabi Alonso.
Parker (23), who was hailed as the Blackburn Rovers striker McCarthys heir, said while he had gained valuable experience, he would love to play alongside his idol McCarthy (31), once again.
Said Parker; "I loved playing in this tournament. The experience was fantastic.
"We have improved big time as a team. But to be honest, I need support and a partner in attack if we are to succeed in rebuilding Bafana successfully."
Parker ran his socks off in every game and scored twice in the 2-0 win over New Zealand in the group phase, and forced a stunning save in extra time from Spains world class keeper and captain Iker Casillas.
But despite his willingness to run back and fetch the ball inside his own half, it became obvious Parker needs a more experienced player alongside him to help him develop his undoubted talents.
It has been rumoured Santana will bring back out of favour McCarthy for the 2010 World Cup finals. The problem with McCarthy, who was dropped for the Confederations Cup, is he likes to pick and chose his games.
The other factor against a McCarthy return is Santana has succeeded in not just rebuilding confidence on the field, but the spirit and strong bond between the players off the field has been restored.
Santana won a lot of friends when he dropped McCarthy and then central defender Nasief Morris. The latter for disciplinary reasons.
The tough discipline stand form the coach helped restore the players morale. They know each player will be treated as an equal and prima donnas will not be tolerated.
Parker said he enjoyed playing alongside targetman Katlego Mphela, who shone by scoring both goals against Spain when he came on as a 64th minute substitute.
Said Parker: "Mphela made a difference when he came on and showed we should play with two strikers."
Santana said Mamelodi Sundowns striker Mphela will be in his future plans. "Mphela was give the opportunity and he took it against Spain.
"He will be rewarded with future call ups where I will give him more chances to show what he can do."