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Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma has warned Bafana Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira not to settle for mediocrity at the Soccer World Cup.
The Brazilian coach has revealed that his first mission is to get Bafana Bafana beyond the group stages of the tournament, which will be a mammoth task considering South Africa must tackle France, Mexico and Uruguay in their mini-pool.
Parreira has already bemoaned the fact that some of his players are unfit, while his international-based stars will only link up with the camp ahead of the global showpiece.
Zuma wants no excuses though, and expects Bafana to reach the World Cup final.
"I really do not believe that we should pray that Bafana reach the quarter-finals," he said.
"They must reach the final. I have great confidence in Bafana Bafana and indeed, they will surprise a lot of people."
Zuma also believes that Parreira has had enough time - in Brazil and now Germany, to mould a competitive team.
"He (the coach) is currently in Germany in another camp with his team right now and I believe that should be enough to develop a competitive squad for the World Cup," concluded Zuma.
The Brazilian coach has revealed that his first mission is to get Bafana Bafana beyond the group stages of the tournament, which will be a mammoth task considering South Africa must tackle France, Mexico and Uruguay in their mini-pool.
Parreira has already bemoaned the fact that some of his players are unfit, while his international-based stars will only link up with the camp ahead of the global showpiece.
Zuma wants no excuses though, and expects Bafana to reach the World Cup final.
"I really do not believe that we should pray that Bafana reach the quarter-finals," he said.
"They must reach the final. I have great confidence in Bafana Bafana and indeed, they will surprise a lot of people."
Zuma also believes that Parreira has had enough time - in Brazil and now Germany, to mould a competitive team.
"He (the coach) is currently in Germany in another camp with his team right now and I believe that should be enough to develop a competitive squad for the World Cup," concluded Zuma.
