Soccer
Stop 'belittling' Bafana
2010-05-24 09:06
Email | Print
Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena has called on the media to desist from belittling the national team ahead of next month's Soccer World Cup.
The Portsmouth defender was speaking to the media on Saturday for the first time since arriving back in South Africa.
Mbazo was clearly incensed when he was asked how difficult it would be to integrate the overseas-based players to the local team, which has been together for the past three months at camps in Durban, Brazil and Germany.
"I'm gonna be firm on this. I don't like that term 'overseas-based players and local players'," he said.
"What we are trying to create here is one team, one nation. We are all South Africans here and yes, the coach has said it will be hard to integrate the players (overseas-based) who have just arrived in camp, but we are all here to represent the country, isn't it?
"It is about time now that we use the 'one team one nation' words a lot more, it sounds better doesn't it?"
Mokoena further admitted Bafana Bafana are in a tough group, but added he is confident the team can reach the next round.
"We are in a tough group. We will be playing against very experienced countries but we are all aware of that," the 29-year-old continued.
"We are trying to prepare well, mentally and physically and make sure we are ready for those three important games.
"We have great respect for those three countries, but on the other hand we always say we are the hosts and we are looking forward to a great challenge.
"The boys have been working so hard for the past three months and it shows really that we want to prepare properly.
"The mood in camp is absolutely incredible since I joined the boys and hopefully we will take it to the three games next month. I'm confident we are going to progress."
Mokoena was also on hand to give some clarity on the bonus negotiations, saying he is confident there won't be an impasse.
"The money situation, the negotiations are ongoing and I'm confident we will conclude soon. But it is time we focus on the big task that is the World Cup and to enjoy the experience on home soil," he concluded.