World Footy News

The improvement in South African football, expected over the next few years, may be coming on quicker than first thought. Although a cursory glance reveals abundant resources being pumped into the country, a slightly more considered opinion would suggest that since the development is mostly being done amongst children, the adult national side may not be greatly improved yet. However the national side, the Lions (formerly the Buffaloes) has in the past been dominated by North West province players. Given that they were given very competitive matches by the other three provinces at the recent National Championships, a host of new players have pushed their way into the squad, suggesting greater depth than in 2005. Combined with more regular domestic matches, the Lions could roar louder than expected in 2008.

Aussie Rules has been keen to emphasise that it is a sport for all colours and creeds, especially in South Africa where such issues still cause problems in other sports. It was pleasing that the 2005 South African side featured blacks, whites and coloureds. For those not used to such forthright language, we first we should explain that in South Africa these distinctions are clearly made, no differently to people in Australia noting their ethnic make-up, such as Greek-Australian, Vietnamese-Australian etc. In 2008 the side again has a multi-ethnic look, and could be a force to be reckoned with.

Newly installed coach and well-known AFL identity and former player, Jason McCartney, is not making any bold predictions. McCartney takes over from Mtutu Hlomela who was nominally coaching between International Cups, but still only 27, the star player's value is greatest on the field as captain, despite taking some time off the field for family reasons. McCartney explained, "Mtutu will make a very good coach at some stage but I’m keen for him to stretch his playing career out for as long as he can before he considers coaching full time. He is a very good player at this level and he can provide the greatest input to this team at the moment by playing not coaching. He is a great leader and has been working hard following a specialised fitness program after the birth of his daughter in April. I expect him to be very damaging during the IC".

McCartney himself does not have a lot of experience of what the other countries will bring to the tournament, though he saw some of the 2005 Cup. However this is far more than a guest role and he has spent plenty of time in South Africa and has already coached them in competition. "I’ve been to South Africa on 4 occasions in the last two and a half years. Two of the trips have been with the Flying Boomerangs Indigenous Youth Team and the other trips have been with the AIS/AFL Academy squad of which I’m an assistant coach. I have assisted Mtutu with some of the coaching during these tours and actually coached the team against the AIS/AFL Academy in April". He'll also spend time with the Lions before the tournament. "Yes that is correct. The team will arrive in Melbourne 6 days prior to the beginning of the IC to round out our preparation. During this time we will play a practice match against an African All Star Team and also conduct a mini training camp".

The Country and Australian football

The Republic of South Africa is known as the Rainbow Nation as it integrates so much of the cultural spectrum. Estimates vary, but the population is around 48 million and it is steadily, though too slowly for some, building up the standard of living after years of repression. Australian football got its start in South Africa in the 1990s, but then did it tough for some time. In the last few years it has become the number one focus for international development, with its relatively cheap costs, abundant population without access to organised sport, and various synergies with business investment. This was just starting to occur in 2005 and they were much improved at the International Cup of that year. 2008 should see even greater gains.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Most of the development has gone into juniors, and most are yet to flow through into the seniors, so an explosion in ability is not expected in 2008. But as discussed above, there are signs that the team could still be significantly better than last time, with several exciting youngsters, a group of new players from other provinces, and more regular domestic matches than they used to play, in particular club level, not just national.

The squad looks fairly well balanced. If anything they may wish for a little more height in some positions. The team was somewhat erratic at the last Cup and although they may wish to settle down their style, coach McCartney certainly won't be looking to stiffle their natural instincts for the game. "I will be encouraging the team to play a very attacking style of football".

Players to watch

Some countries have been very coy on mentioning some of their star players, whilst others have been happy to point out some of their strengths. McCartney named nine players that will lead the way. "Thabiso Phakedi, Thopiso Mogapi, Steven Matshane, Bayanda Sobetwa and Steven Malinga are currently spending two weeks with the Swan Districts FC in WA playing Colts and Reserve grade football in preparation for the International Cup. These boys along with our captain Mtutuzeli Hlomela, Benjamin Motuba, Julian Horn and Bryan Mitchell will form the nucleus of the team".

Form Guide

South Africa, back then as the Buffaloes, struggled in 2002, with no wins and finishing last of 11 nations. In 2005 they improved to 8th and had their first international win, over Japan, followed by a big win against Spain (absent this time), but were still well short of the middle to higher ranked teams. The expectation is that 2012 will see them as very strong contenders, with the juniors only coming through then, but as discussed above, there are already a lot of changes in the team. McCartney agreed with both sentiments, "The team this year for the first time has a truly national feel about it with representation from all four provinces where footy is played in South Africa. I feel we have a good blend of youth and experience, and as exciting and good a team we have this year there is no doubt in my mind by 2012 South Africa will be one of the strongest international teams in the world".

Bottom Line

Likely to draw a lot of the media attention, along with China (Australia's major trading partner and of course in the Olympic spotlight) and the Peres Peace Team. Expect a major improvement from the Lions, but the top teams will not have stayed still either. They are in the toughest pool to call, with Denmark and China very much unknown quantities, although the Chinese are surely too new to the game to pose a major threat. If the Africans are on the rise then their battle with the US could be a key, but if they don't bring their best game then the Danes could cause them problems too. Very hard to call, but a finish in the 2nd tier, from 5th to 8th out of the 16 nations would be a respectable effort and a good position to launch a full assault in 2012. McCartney gives little away, but there's a hint of confidence. "My aim for this group is to see them play to the best of their ability. I’m confident that if this is achieved we will finish very high in our Pool. From there who knows what’s possible".