It is seldom that we see soccer fans celebrating just one win in five games, but Bafana Bafana supporters are doing just that after South Africa's display in the Confederations Cup, writes iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane.

Bafana Bafana may have won just one game in five matches in the Confederations Cup, but their display in this tournament has raised South Africans' hope ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

Bafana coach Joel Santana must be truly pleased with the way his boys performed against football super powers like Spain and Brazil.

Against Spain, Bafana showed great resilience and they managed to hold two of the world?s best strikers in Fernando Torres and David Villa only to be let down by poor defending in the second half.

The same poor defending was to let them down again against Brazil when with just two minutes to go before full time, the Bafana defence conceded a free kick in a dangerous area, which Daniel Alves converted to break the heart of the South African team.

Defence is one area that Santana has to try to sort out before the World Cup. The Brazilian mentor has to find a good finisher as well because South Africa were toothless up front and their four goals were scored by just two players ? Bernard Parker and Katlego Mphela ? who scored a brace each.

The Confederations Cup draw favoured South Africa, but Bafana Bafana might not be so lucky in 2010, that's why Santana has to sort out these minor discrepancies now.

The central defence is the problem area, as the wings and backs ? Tshepo Masilela and Siboniso Gaxa ? played well in the Confederations Cup and were not at fault in any of the goals that Bafana conceded.

SABC sport presenter Walter Mokoena might have been suspended for saying that captain Aaron Mokoena must be axed, but the controversial sports show host hit the nail on the head with that remark.

Mokoena was at fault in many of the goals that Bafana conceded. He gave away an unnecessary penalty in the loss against Spain and once again he was the one who fouled Ramires in Brazil's winning goal in the dying minutes of the match. On both occasions Mokoena made two untimely tackles when shielding the player was the best option.

To be fair to Mokoena ? who is a good leader ? his constant switching of position for Bafana and Blackburn Rovers is not doing him any favours. Blackburn use him as a destroyer, but Santana uses him as a sweeper and he has to constantly adjust to these changes, which is not easy by any means.

As for the striking position, Santana missed a golden opportunity to groom the current Absa Premiership leading goal-scorers ? Richard Henyekane and Mabhuti Khenyeza ? with the latter being dropped at the last moment.

The truth is that South Africa cannot rely on Parker because the Thanda Royal Zulu goal-poacher is not an out-an-out striker. South Africa needs a box player and if it means Santana must go and look for good South African-born strikers outside of our borders so be it.

Let's hope though that those strikers will not do a Sean Dundee (SA born German striker) on him and refuse to play for South Africa, but I doubt that will happen as it is every players dream to play in the World Cup.

So, Santana you have the carrot (the World Cup), now use it and bring good strikers on board!

  • What do you think of Bafana's performance in the Confed Cup? Should Santana axe captain Aaron Mokoena? Let us know what YOU think!