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Bafana set new record

Bafana set new record

Posted: 2009-01-27 22:33

Bafana Bafana secured a record fifth win in a row as they began 2009 with a deserved 1-0 international friendly victory over Zambia at the Super Stadium on Tuesday night.

An excellent free-kick from Teko Modise was enough to secure the win, but the scoreline flattered the Zambians as South Africa missed a host of chances – not least Ajax Cape Town striker Mabhuti Khenyeza.

Kaizer Chiefs’ Abia Nale won a first cap when he came on as a late substitute, but otherwise it was familiar faces amongst the locally-based contingent for the home side.

SuperSport United’s Bongani Khumalo had the first chance of the game as he met the corner from the left, but failed to get any real power behind his header.

There was frustration for the home side when Khenyeza was fouled as he turned his defender, but managed to stay on his feet and race clear, only for the referee to pull the play back for a Bafana free-kick, rather than play the advantage.

The home side were inches away from taking the lead when Siphiwe Tshabalala swung in an excellent cross which Zambian goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene came to punch. However, the Free State Stars stopper missed the ball completely and it cannoned off Khenyeza and went just wide of the post.

And they should have been ahead on 27 minutes. Lucas Thwala produced another excellent cross and Khenyeza got there ahead of Mweene, but glanced his header the wrong side of the post when he really should have buried it.

The Ajax man was getting closer and he missed an even easier chance three minutes later. Tshabalala broke down the left and played an intelligent ball inside to Khenyeza, who controlled with his first touch but then blasted over from eight yards with the goal at his mercy.

Modise forced a smart save from Mweene at his near post and the goalkeeper then made an excellent stop to deny the Pirates man minutes later as he flung himself to his left to beat out a header following more brilliant work from Tshabalala on the left.

South Africa’s first chance of the second half came when Siboniso Gaxa put in a low cross that Modise could only spoon into the hands of substitute goalkeeper Davy Kaumbua, who was on for the injured Mweene.

Zambian skipper Elijah Tana earned the only yellow card of the night when he brought down Tshabalala just outside the penalty area on 53 minutes and his misery was compounded as Bafana took the lead.

The free-kick was sweetly struck by the mercurial Modise and nestled low inside the lefthand post, just reward for his excellent display.

Noah Chivuta almost brought the visitors level just seconds later with a free-kick at the other end, but is effort was well saved by Itumeleng Khune, his first real involvement of the night.

The game became more disjointed as a flood of Zambian substitutes entered the fray, but Khenyeza almost found a second with seven minutes to go as he just failed to connect with Gaxa’s cross.

Zambia broke Fifa regulations on the number of substitutes allowed when they brought on a seventh, Dennis Banda. Fifa statutes say only six replacements are allowed in international matches.

But Bafana held on for the win that will add further confidence to the squad as they welcome the overseas stars back for the friendly international against Chile in Polokwane on February 11.


TEAMS

South Africa: Itumeleng Khune – Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo, Morgan Gould, Lucas Thwala – Teko Modise (capt), Lefa Tsutsulupa, Kagiso Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala (Lebohang Mothibantwa 93rd) – Surprise Moriri (Katlego Mashego 70th) – Mabhuti Khenyeza (Abia Nale 85th)

Zambia: Kennedy Mweene (Davy Kaumbua 49th) – Davies Nkausu (Clive Hachilensa 48th), Joseph Musonda (Dennis Banda 90th), Kampamba Chintu, Elijah Tana (capt) – Kebby Hachipuka, Kennedy Mudenda (Stanley Banda 57th), Noah Chivuta (Lawrence Pondani 71st), Henry Banda (Simon Bwalya 57th) – Collins Mbesuma, Makundika Sakala (Agripa Mbewe 65th)

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Trilogy: 2009-01-27 23:00

We need strikers in the team. We can't always rely on Benni forever. Zambia did not even compete and yet we couldn't finnish. The Chile game will be a real challege and Santana should have taken khenyeza out in 1st half, i don't think his the national team material.

Mdu: 2009-01-27 23:28

I am tired of these lucky 1-0, 2-1 scores, I need to see something convincing. How about 3-0, 5-1 etc? Trilogy, send your son to the school of excellence, in three years time he will be a quality striker in one of the European teams. There is something about our strikers that has been missing for a while now. They just cant finish. You can watch as many Bafana games as you like, you cant fix that with this kind of mentallity. Where is the composure, the passion, the determination, the focus, you name it.

ANTHONY: 2009-01-28 02:10

I'm just arriving home from the Super Stadium. I have always not believed in the theory that a player can be good in club level and not be a national team material. I'm very disappointed with Khenyeza. He was given a chance today and he blew it. With the chances he wasted today even if he is to score hat tricks in all the games he will play for Ajex this season I personally wouldn't like to see him in a Bafana Bafana jersey again (unless he wears the jersey going to the beaches.) I also blame the technical staff for keeping him in the field for so long.

Alan: 2009-01-28 02:35

Sorry chaps, five wins in a row in full internationals don't create a national record. South Africa beat Israel 2-1 in 1954 and then won five internationals in a row in Australia in 1955 (3-0, 2-0, 8-0, 6-0, 4-1). Regardless of one's political views, South Africa did play international sport before 1992. Cricket and rugby recognise this fact with respect to their records, so why do Safa and Kick Off not do so?
Alan Fouche

LESEGO: 2009-01-28 06:24

Nice game, well done to the boys but i also have to agree with y'all, Khenyeza was disappointing infront of goals last night, btw he's not doing this for the first time, evidently, he chokes on the big stage and that's not good enough for someone as talented as him. Santana needs to give all the inform strikers a chance so we can see what they made of, the Ngcobos and Mahlatsi's of this world deserve a chance to showcase their skills on a bigger stage, we racing against time and before we know it, the Confed will be upon us so we gotta unearth those strikers!!! For the record, TEKO MODISE IS KING, and i'm saying that as a 100% proud Khosi 4 Life, the boy's just marvellous, Pirates are fortunate to have him on their side!!!

Themba: 2009-01-28 08:07

The goal was scored in the 54th minute, y nt make changes in the 60th minutes trying out new players i.e Cale 4 Tshabalala, Mashego 4 Khenyeza, Nale 4 Moriri, Mothibabantwana 4 Tsutsulupa in the 60th minute 4 crying out loud. Wat is the idea behind a friendly game, to test out strategy, players and other tactical and technical aspects of the game. Lets keep hoping that xikwembu xi na hina.

lish: 2009-01-28 08:08

KHANYEZA...IS BRILLIANT...
His movement off the ball enables the midfielders to pick him up but he was unfortunate in that game but all in all he deserve to wear national colours with pride....
WHAT CHANGES DID ABIA DID IN THE FIELD ?
Pls guys let us not kill this boy, he is good everyone knows that but TRILOGY u sound jealous about this boy

Innocent: 2009-01-28 08:16

I was very dissapointed in SANTANA and his Technical Staff. I thought the game was about reaveling new players. Why not give Nale, Cale and Ngcobo a chance. We don't have vasitile player like nale inthe squad yet we don't test him when we have a chance to do so. Tshabalala is a disgrace. He always give world class perfomance in Bafana and plays crap when playing for Chiefs but still we nees Cale as back up on the left. Ngcobo showed world class finishing in PSL why not give him a chance. I was very impressed by Tsutsulupa, I also thought Sngweni will get a chance.
Anyway Well done Bafana

Dikotsi: 2009-01-28 08:43

Tsutsulupa played like a seasoned international. Tshabalalais always good in the squad.
Lish i gather you did not watch the game or know nothign about football, what did you expect Nale to do in 3 minutes. Khenyeza was very disappointing, every player can make those runs but the finishing is important as a striker and he lacked that gister.
Gaxa played marvelously, his penetrations were good and going backwards too. Modise played well but well below his usual standards, i guese it was probably the nature of the game itself that influenced that.
mashego gave the game some energy when he cam in, albeit late.
Kagiso is fast losing the magic, i couldnt his usual influence and destructive role that he usually gave. He is losing it even at club level. He needs some remotivation.
Thwala could still improve with more game time.
Moriri has faded honestly, he should have been taken out during the first half with Mabhuti honestly.
The rest played as could be expected for their experience..and Khune is gonna be our number one for a long time to come.

Trilogy: 2009-01-28 08:50

lish,

I AM A PROUD SOUTH AFRICAN.
I can't be jealous of Khenyeza but yet I was disappointed by his performance on the day, I guess I expected more from him on the day based on his form. Nale only played 5 minute.

Isaac : 2009-01-28 08:55

TRILOGY:WELCOME BACK but hope u're asleep now as u work nightshift.
hehehe Mabuthi Khanyeza good striker who missed seaters.

Mr Que: 2009-01-28 08:57

Tshabalala my boy , your perfomance is just perfect.Good work keep it up.

Isaac : 2009-01-28 09:12

U know guys to be serious all those sub were suppossed 2be used.and those who get that small chance was not good enought as they did nothing actually to impress the so called COACH of us.they were suppossed to be given about 20minutes at least they were going to better than they did on their last 5minutes they were given.

Don Archie: 2009-01-28 09:12

I observed something interesting last night, the notepad Santana was using, was branded with some Brazil tv station "flatv". SAFA must be patriotic and provide Santana with proudly South African branded stationary. We cant have Santana advertising Brazilian stuff on our shine.

siviwe: 2009-01-28 09:16

Mr. Idiot: 2009-01-28 09:00
You totally correct,it has been his dowfall he doesn't make substitutions on time.I'm puzzled how Moriri was selected ahead of Nale and Simphiwe ahead of Cale.
The team rely on Teko too much,he should have given players who can take on oponents just like Abia,Cale.Tshabala is not at his best at the moment Cale should have started the game.

rudzani: 2009-01-28 09:18

Good observation Archie, I saw some black notepad with red writting but never thought of it the way you did. Good one

Trilogy: 2009-01-28 09:23

Mr. Idiot,

Santana is scared of making substitutes because if he was to loose the game, the media will be screaming about his salary.... I can't blame the poor guy, he had to win this game.


Thanx Isaac

siviwe: 2009-01-28 09:23

Mdu: 2009-01-27 23:28 [ Report ]
"Trilogy, send your son to the school of excellence, in three years time he will be a quality striker in one of the European teams"

I'm of a believe that strikers are born not made,it's just like talent you have it or you don't.

Proffessor : 2009-01-28 09:23

Hehehe! I’m not happy about this so called record! No comment about Bafana! I will start commenting about them when the Confederations Cup!

Trilogy: 2009-01-28 09:26

Mr Idiot

It seems like you don't have DSTV, Benni and Pienaar have been playing regularly and well for that matter. Mokoena has also been seeing some game time. I also don't prefer Mokoena but what can we do, we need international experience.

siviwe: 2009-01-28 09:33

Mr. Idiot: 2009-01-28 09:13 [ Report ]
"I wish that Santana and Pitso can have a stomach bug! Then get hospitalized till the World Cup r over"
Or one of their games played in Limpopo and get supplied with water that has cholera and the players get bottled water but those two someone must get tap or river water.

Dikotsi: 2009-01-28 09:46

Cale is also not consistent and has not been doing well for Ajax of late.
I agree that he should have been given some game time but doubt if he could have made the difference. Moriri should have gone earlier for Nale. Gaxa was playing very well.
Kagiso should have been replaced ealier too

Ya, Santana takes long to make substitutions and maybe he should explain to us his reason for that...

Dee: 2009-01-28 09:46

Facts:

- BB won five international games in a row. That's wonderful
- A winning mentality can only be built by winning games. After this morale boosting record I'm sure the BB boys would rather die than lose and spoil their record.
- Regardless of the quality of the opposition the fact remains that winning five international games in a row is a good feat
- Lastly, in one of his publications, Clive Barker revealed that the secret behind his success was based on creating a winning spirit for his players. He said that he requested SAFA to organise simmple 4-nations tounerments (sponsored by Simba I believe) against the not so tough opposition so they'd win and get used to winning. They only started challenging the likes of Argentina, Holland and Brazil later on. Clive did not subject his players to the possibility of losing games after games and it worked for him.

So in essence, whether you slash or celebrate this record it is key to BB's future performances.

Dee: 2009-01-28 10:04

Mr Idiot
"Dee: uyagula boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

That's what people tell me. Hehehehe. I just tell it as and not to please the crowd.

And now - BB will play Chile in Polokwane on February 11. Polokwane???? Feb 11???? Is the stadium ready there?????

SANELE: 2009-01-28 10:21

we rely need strikers the team that was playing last night was good expert that we do not have some one for the dead ***** i wish we can find that person,mabuti its not u my man yes u perfor well here incape town but inbafana u dont play that good but keep it up maybe luck will be with u some day &nice one boys.

Nthsiza: 2009-01-28 10:40

Khanyeza has just been very lucky at Ajax, the boy cannot finish, i have a feeling this luck has run out

KING: 2009-01-28 12:40

Gents i wish SAFA could just read these comments. No wonder u get fustrated u understand your football. There is 2 much expectations on Teko and Khune. I agree other players need to take responsibility. Moriri is offline. Van Heerden needs to come in on the right, cause Teko is not effective there, no wonder he keeps drifting inside. J Pule Mahlangu can relieve the pressure from Teko and Khune. Otherwise we looking forward to Chille's game. I am still saying Santana wont make it to 2010, He will be fired. Amen.

maanda: 2009-01-28 13:08

Proudly SA. I think de team did well last nyt. I c u guys u saying is a lucky win...luck comes after sum hard work. I bilieve we also have our own favourate playrs dat would love to see playing on de day ...bt i bilv dat Santana and Pitso have selected the best players for the day & we must rember this all players are all good on their own way. Tshabalala has done so well last nyt with de General TEKO. Sumtym to be de best u must ply togethr with de best in ur team & i think dat is de reason y tshabalala does so well for BB...hw can u perform if ur Coach busy sreaming outside....

cale & other players wo wer outside....the r de best ther is no doubt abt that, bt i gues they will get thier chance...

Khenyeza was not relax in front of de goal..it seems like he wanted to impress so badly. I think if can take it easy for nw, he cando better.he is a good player.

A win is a win-- 1-0 or not..their de best

michael: 2009-01-28 13:33

Wow! it's touching the new found attitude of the SA fans.They now believe they deserve the best,unfortunately SAFA and BAFANA are simply small thinkers who are happy with anything at all even beating a test side Zambia.They excel in friendlies but shy away when they are really needed e.g BAFANA beat ghana,cameroun,zambia,paraguay,lesotho,botswana,somalia and even GAZA at friendlies but lost to an already qualified NIGERIA when it mattered the most..please that's no record for a country like SA