Sponsors ready to drop Bafana Bafana if the worst happens

PRETORIA, Jun 20: South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, are facing the likelihood of major changes not only out on the pitch but off it ahead of Tuesday’s all-or-nothing game against France in Bloemfontein.

Even if South Africa win by a significant margin they would still become the first host nation in the World Cup's 80-year history to fail to progress beyond the first round if Mexico and Uruguay draw in the other, simultaneous, Group A game.

Off the pitch the fortunes of the players in particular and the South African Football Association in general are about to take a hit. Sponsors and advertisers are already preparing to switch campaign identities away from the team and on to the country as host nation.

The telecommunications company Vodacom, which has used the team theme, is considered likely to switch away from soccer altogether and revert to rugby.

Meanwhile the hosts’ poor campaign – one point from two games – has also affected attendances in the fan parks. These were always at risk of falling short of the partying standards set in Germany four years because of the very different temperatures. That is the one bright spot for advertisers: fans are at least watching the action on television.

The prospect of significant changes for the Uruguay game follows reports of increasing unrest among the squad over results and so far and team selection by coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. One enforced change will be the replacement of goalkeeper Itu Khune because of suspension after his expulsion in the 3-0 defeat by Uruguay.

Jordaan support

Danny Jordaan, chief executive of the local organizing committee, visited the squad and offered words of encouragement and support. Jordan told the players they should be proud and hold their heads up high ahead of the France clash.

He said: “I must thank you for what is happening in this country right now. I know you might not have seen all of it but the spirit in this country is amazing. You saw some of it when you went into the streets here before the tournament. There is such an incredible atmosphere in this country and you must feel very proud about being a part of
that.”

He also advised them to look forward and not back.

Jordaan said: “What happens in Tuesday’s match is what this country will remember. You must not dwell on what happened before. We can do nothing about what happened in the past. Sometimes, in life and even football, we have days where nothing works. You have had that day.

"As players you will remember the first moments and the last moments when you are on the field. You gave us an incredible first moment. This will be your opportunity to run like you have never run before, to commit to playing until the final whistle and to make us say: ‘They gave us their best and we are very proud of them for giving us their best.’

"Go there and do your best and you will see that your best might even surprise you.”

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