Former Bafana Bafana skipper Neil Tovey says Bafana have silenced their critics and showed at the Confederations Cup they have improved and developed into an organised force to be reckoned with.

That was the opinion of former Bafana captain Neil Tovey, who lifted the African Nations Cup trophy on home soil in 1996.

Tovey said Bafana rose to the occasion when they held mighty Brazil at Ellis Park on Thursday night where they came within two minutes of one of world soccer's biggest upsets.

But a free kick from Daniel Alves two minutes from time earned the five times World Cup winners and Confederations Cup holders a 1-0 win in a hard fought semifinal clash.

Brazil will play the other surprise package of the tournament, the United States in the final at Ellis Park on Sunday night at 8.30pm, while Bafana host European champions Spain in the third place playoff at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace also on Sunday but at 3pm.

Tovey said Bafana could upset Spain ranked number one in the world.

"Spain beat us 2-0 in the group stage of the competition. But after they were knockout out by the US (2-0) in the semifinals, I doubt if they will have their hearts in a playoff.

"But having said that, they are professionals. But it will depend which Spain side turns up in Rustenburg on Sunday.

"I believe if Bafana can keep the momentum going they could snatch a major upset."

Tovey stressed that for Spain to be playing in a major cup final and a playoff match, makes a big difference to a side of their pedigree. "This is a huge match for Bafana in terms of preparations for 2010 while it has little significance for Spain or has it?

"Spain could rest key players and will be down after losing to the US. I think this is a good time to get stuck into Spain. We should go for broke and try and notch what would be a massive morale boosting win.

"A win over Spain would do wonders for a side that is starting to develop confidence and more self belief."

Tovey, now head coach of PSL outfit AmaZulu, said Bafana´s one glaring weakness was their lack of punch in attack.

"I thought we were well organised in defence and our midfield was superb against the big superstars of Brazil that included Kaka and Robinho. We are, however, never going to win unless we play two strikers and use only one holding (defensive) midfielder.

"We have proved we can play against the best. But we need to be more attack minded and stop using two defensive midfielders."

Tovey suggested Bafana head coach Joel Santana, who is slowly but surely molding the squad into a well oiled unit and getting the players in the right direction, needs a second striker to assist new emerging star Bernard Parker.

"I still think Benni McCarthy is the answer. When Benni and Parker played together they clicked. We need to man manage this situation. After all, Parker cannot cross or pass the ball to himself.

"Parker is a budding talent but he cannot score goals without help and support. He got little support against Brazil."

Tovey said against Spain Santana should bring back either striker Katlego Mashego or Terror Fanteni to partner Parker in a two pronged attack and play only one defensive midfielder alongside creative players in Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala and Teko Modise.

"What have we got to lose.. nothing."

Tovey suggests if Blackburn Rovers striker McCarthy, who was dropped for the Confederations Cup, is out of Bafana's plans for the 2010 World Cup Santana needs to have a look at Golden Arrows and the PSL´s leading goal scorer, Richard Henyekane.

"Now that the defence and midfield are ticking nicely we need to focus on the attack. Goals win games and that is the bottom line."

Tovey also said Spanish based defender Nasief Morris, who was axed from the squad due to disciplinary reasons, should not be discarded. "We need to have our best players available and in my book both Benni and Nasief are top class performers and cannot be ignored."

Tovey said the big positives to come out of the tournament were the outstanding form of Kaizer Chiefs 22-year-old keeper Itumeleng Khune, Matthew Booth at the heart of the defence, left back Tsepo Masilela, Tshabalala and Pienaar.

"We have a good crop of players and now need a striker to compliment Parker and the team."

Sapa

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