Tournament News
Parreira: Bafana will surprise
2010-03-01 15:50
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Durban - It will be a 100 days to go on Tuesday and Bafana Bafana head coach Carlos Alberto Parreira is confident of Bafana being the surprise package at the World Cup in June, despite injury concerns to key English-based players, Benni McCarthy and Kagisho Dikgacoi.
Speaking in Durban on Monday ahead of Wednesday night’s friendly against Namibia at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Parreira said the key to Bafana doing well in June lies with preparation and fitness.
“That is why our three camps in Brazil, Germany and at home in May are vital to prepare the squad. Three camps gives me time to prepare properly.
"This I have learnt through many World Cups.”
Parreira, who won the 1994 World Cup with Brazil, laughed off suggestions by the coaches of Uruguay, France and Mexico, that Bafana would be easy meat in the Group A clashes starting on June 11 when they host Mexico at Soccer City in the opening match of the finals.
“We want to be the surprise team of the World Cup. That is our target.
"And if the other coaches in our group believe we will be easy to beat, they are in for a big surprise. We will be ready for Mexico, France and Uruguay and if they underestimate, us they will be punished.”
Parreira said having 100 000 fans supporting Bafana in the opening Group A match against Mexico would be a major factor.
“One thing is for sure, Bafana are going to fight and in front of 100 000 home fans will not be easy to beat. “I have been to many World cups as a coach and observer where the pre-tournament favourites failed, and teams nobody gave a chance, did well.
"Football is unpredictable and that is why it is such an exciting game.”
Switching to the game against Namibia, the coach said he was not taking Namibia lightly. “It is decision time for me on certain players.
"I realise Namibia are not Brazil, but this is an important game and we must do well against them. We are also using it to celebrate an important milestone of 100 days to the World Cup kick-off.”
The 100 days to go will be celebrated with the arrival in Durban on Tuesday of Fifa president Sepp Blatter and top Fifa and Local Organising Committee officials.
“From now on the focus is on me as coach and the players. The Word Cup preparations start now in Durban against Namibia.
"We will do the country proud.”
Parreira said the major decisions he will take after Wednesday’s clash against Namibia will be on the two European based fullbacks, German based left back Bradley Carnell and Greek based right back Bryce Moon, who he has brought back after a long absence.
“We need cover for both fullback positions. I have watched Carnell at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and was impressed. He has lots of experience and is a good player, but is injury prone.”
On Moon Parreira said he wants to use this game to have a good look at him. Parreira is also waiting for doctors’ reports on the injuries to McCarthy and midfield anchor Dikgacoi. “I know only what I have read in the papers. If it means travelling to England to speak to the players and their doctors then I will. I need both players fit for the World Cup.
"It would be a massive blow if either or both are not available due to injury.”
Meanwhile Teko Modise who will captain the side against Namibia, appealed for support from the Durban fans.
“We enjoyed tremendous support when we beat Zimbabwe (3-0) at the same venue in January and hope we can rely on the fans to support us against Namibia and help is celebrate 100 days to go with a win.”