Bafana could be heading for more problems in their central defence position with the absence of skipper Aaron Mokoena ahead of their crucial World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier game against Nigeria set in Port Elizabeth next month.
Mokoena has been ruled out for the game against the Super Eagles due to suspension. The former national coach was commenting to KickOff.com.
The central defence position has been a major concern for some time. The partnership of Mokete Tsotetsi and Bongani Khumalo struggled when played together during the World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifier game against Sierra Leone in June this year.
Now with Mokoena out of the game against Nigeria, Bafana’s Brazilian coach Joel Santana could be having sleepless nights trying to find a good combination to contain the likes of Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Nwankwo Kanu and Obafemi Martins.
Dumitru concurred that the central defence has been Bafana’s weakest link in the team’s performance over the past three years.
Dumitru added that while he did not want it to appear that he was campaigning for players from Sundowns to be selected for Bafana, he believed Mabizela was on the right track to reclaim his central position in the squad.
“We are struggling to find players with great talent and experience at international level to play in that position.
“OJ has been consistent in his past few games. He is solid and has the skill to play at the back. He is in top form and I think soon he will be vying for a place in the Bafana squad.”
Your comments on this story...
Not unless Pitso chooses his favorites Mhlongo or Katza for the central midfield position, I don't see any player in the league better than OJ.
Request the pleasure of your company at a symbolic ceremony to start the demolition of the old Proffesor Khumalo logo and celebrate the design of the new Proffesor Khumalo logo as part of preparations for 2010 FIFA World Cup.
• Date: Saturday 25 October 2008
• Venue: Cape Town
• Time: 3.00 pm
• DJ: Wandaboy
Please note that all delegates will be presented with a new Proffesor t-shirt or Magazine (6-pages of DISKIOFF) from the first demolition process of the Proffesor name and a poster of the new Proffesor design.
Mayors from all Mzansi municipalities, as well as SA soccer/sport leaders/Kickoff readers and Kickoff bloggaz have been invited so as to develop a strong local partnership to make 2010 a success.
We will be demolishing the old Proffesor Khumalo logo – transforming and preparing it for 2010 and beyond.
More details: proffesor.khumalo@yahoo.co.uk
sunflower - 0
FANTASY LEAGUE
League name: SASOCCERGURUS
League code: 14763657107836
DREAM TEAMS LEAGUE
League name: MZANSISOCCERGURUS
League code: 14763855978998
There's no chance that SS will beat Sundowns on Saturday night, no chance at all.
Santana should be getting sleepless night with MOKEONA IN THE BAFANA TEAM. OJ and Booth need to be given a chance in the team.Also I watched the game against Oz again, and Bradley Carnel has to take the blame for the 1st goal. He allowed the Austrlian forward to guide passed him without tracking his run. He did the same thing against Scotland and it looks like he wont have the legs for the WC come 2010. As a team, Bafana is very weak on the left-hand side and Santana needs to give others a chance to impress.I'm also not convinced about Mdlele as the boy thinks he is playing for Pirates when he tackles in a Bafana shirt. Masilela is the man, BUT what happens if he is injured? How replaces him? Currently there is no one that is equally able.
bring back Mabizela we Sathane siyamdinga
but i wonder who is gonna get braaid on the field!
U ALLWAYS kill me baba! hehe! nice comment!
OJ IS BETTA THAM MOKENA... I PREFER HIM THAN THAT IDIOT! WE WON WIN ANY GAMES WHILE WE HAVE MOKENA AS OUR CAPTAIN. SOME1 AT TRAININ' MUST JUST BREAK HIS LEG.
first: he must go to church on Sundays.
cut the life of siyaJAIVA every weekend! hehe