25 March 2019 –S AFA President Dr Danny Jordaan has showered Bafana Bafana with praise following their AFCON 2019 qualification after a gallant 2-1 win over Libya in Tunisia on Sunday.
Needing only a draw, Bafana Bafana put up an inspiring performance to chalk up one of the most famous victories for the Senior Men’s National team in recent years.
“That was a great victory considering the hostile atmosphere and the pressure on the boys and the technical team. But everyone raised his hand.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the entire set up from coach Stuart Baxter, the technical support staff and all those involved within the set up,” said Dr Jordaan.
The SAFA President said the whole team played like warriors and although Percy Tau, goalkeeper Darren Keet and midfielder Kamohelo Mokotjo were particularly outstanding, the entire team played as a unit.
“What we need going forward is to plan for Egypt2019 and start those preparations now. We want to leave a huge impression in Egypt,” said the SAFA President.
He said this year, including the past one has been the most successful period for all national teams since the country was readmitted back into FIFA family in 1990s.
“Almost all of our national teams have qualified for major tournaments globally and on the continent.
“Our Women’s u17 qualified for the FIFA World Cup in Uruguay while our Senior Women’s National team, Banyana Banyana are COSAFA champions, were runners up in AWCON in Ghana and qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in France later this year,” said Dr Jordaan.
“Add that the u20 (Amajita) are also COSAFA champions and won bronze in Niger to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and now we have Bafana Bafana storming into the AFCON tournament in Egypt in June this year. This has been a historic period and give credit to our national teams. This is unsurpassed in the history of SAFA. And take note, the u23 team has started the CAF Olympic qualification like a house on fire and want to make a statement as well,” added the SAFA President.
Dr Jordaan said from Amajita, to Banyana Banyana and Bafana Bafana, the focus now is to up the preparations and make a huge impression at their respective tournaments.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish said Sunday’s result against Libya showed South Africa are among top football nations on the continent.
“The support showed by the South Africans towards Bafana Bafana was amazing and fantastic. That was a top drawer performance by the entire team and it brought back fond memories of the 1995/96 squads and the FIFA World Cup qualifying team of 1998.
“Stuart Baxter and the boys need to build from this encouraging performance. This is the Bafana Bafana we love and know,” he said.