Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - No team should be considered favourites for next year's Africa Cup of Nations, says former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.
"It is all about momentum and if any side can get a win in their first game, then anything is possible," Baloyi said on Wednesday.
"That lifts the players, the technical staff and the fans."
Baloyi said there had been surprise packages in most editions of the continental tournament, including 2012 champions Zambia, and he believed the 2013 showpiece would be no different.
"In just about every Africa Cup of Nations tournament of the last 20 years there have been more fancied sides going out in the first round, so anything is possible," he said.
"Not many would have picked Zambia to get out of their group, let alone win the trophy."
Baloyi was set to continue an initiative between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Standard Bank, with fellow former Bafana player Neil Tovey, which will take the tournament trophy to Port Elizabeth this weekend on an ongoing tour to the five host cities.
Baloyi hoped the tournament would build on where the 2010 FIFA World Cup left off in showcasing the country as a host nation for major international sports events.
"The eyes of the continent will turn to South Africa in January next year and we want to show them what fantastic hosts we are and what a great footballing country this is.
"That is why we want to create a positive vibe among South African fans and really help them get behind the tournament."
