Whether you like him or not, Joel Natalino Santana will lead Bafana Bafana to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, writes iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane.

Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana might have led South Africa to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup, but the Brazilian mentor has not convinced many South Africans that he is the right man to lead the country to the 2010 World Cup.

The fact that Bafana needed New Zealand to do them a favour in order to qualify for the semifinals did not go down well with the majority of Bafana supporters.

The most vocal call for Santana's axing came from none other than controversial SABC sports presenter, Walter Mokoena, who not only called for Santana's axing, but also for that of Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena.

Clearly unhappy about Bafana's loss to Spain in the last round of Group A, Walter Mokoena said: "You can still ask me the same question tomorrow and my answer will remain the same, Santana and Mokoena must go!"

Mokoena's remarks were followed by that of several viewers and radio listeners who called for Santana's dismissal.

If Mokoena and his anti-Santana brigade's call were motivated by Bafana's loss to Spain then I say that is a harsh call. For starters, who on earth thought Bafana would actually beat the number one ranked Spain? Not only are the Spaniards the number one team in the world, but prior to the Bafana match, they were unbeaten in 34 games.

No offence to Bafana, but they are by no means world beaters, so for supporters to call for Santana's axing after this defeat was harsh.

Granted, Santana made heavy weather of Bafana's qualifying for the semifinals by fielding a defence minded team against Iraq in the first game of Group A. On that day, Iraq offered no threat for Santana to use that tactic for the entire game. But the Brazilian mentor made amends by fielding an offensive side against New Zealand and that approach paid dividends.

The truth is that Bafana played well against Spain, but they were up against a better side — a side which are favourites to win the Confederations Cup. And losing to Spain was certainly no train smash considering their three-year unbeaten record.

The call to fire Santana might be justifiable to many, but I would not hold my breath as the South African Football Association (Safa) has shown in the past that they are prepared to back their coach even if he is taking the team nowhere.

After all, it might prove costly for the association to pay up Santana’s salary (which is estimated at R1.5-million a month).

So South Africa brace yourself for a Santana-led Bafana in 2010!

  • Should Safa axe Santana? Who must lead Bafana in the 2010 World Cup? Let us know what YOU think!
    RSS
    Digg
    de.li.cious
    facebook


    Print this page
    Send this article to a friend