By Obakeng Maje

The South African Senior Men’s National Team returns to South Africa on Sunday morning (10 September 2012) with their heads held high despite a one-nil (1-0) lost to Brazil in an international friendly match played on Friday (7 September) at the Estadio do Morumbi in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

The match was used as part of Brazil’s Independence Day celebrations, and also for a symbolic handover of the world cup from the 2010 hosts to the next hosts in 2014.

The ceremony took place at half time led by SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani, accompanied by Vice President Danny Jordaan, SAFA CEO Dr Robin Petersen, National Executive Committee members Abel Rakoma, Morris Tshabalala and Andile Ndengezi, who was also the Head of Delegation for the South African team in Brazil. The South African Ambassador to Brazil, HE MN Mbethe was also present.

The home side was booed off the field by their own fans while Bafana Bafana got a standing ovation at the end of the clash following a gutsy performance by the visitors.

Bafana Bafana head coach Gordon Igesund handed new caps to Dean Furman of Oldham Athletic and Dino Ndlovu of Maccabi Haifa.

 

South Africa did not disappoint and took the game to the hosts, who at times looked very uncomfortable and surprised by Bafana Bafana’s performance.

 

The visitors should have taken the lead in the 12th minute, but Ndlovu’s shot was saved Diego Alves in the Brazil goal.

 

After experiencing a series of withdrawals before the start of camp (Steven Pienaar, Siyabonga Nomvethe, Edward Manqele and Anele Ngcongca) due to injuries, Bafana Bafana suffered a further setback when Ndlovu was taken off with a dislocated shoulder.

 

His replacement, Benni McCarthy did not last also and was stretchered off with a hamstring strain.

 

Both players will not be available for the Tuesday, 11 September clash against Mozambique at the Mbombela Stadium.

 

The first half belonged to the South Americans, but South Africa came out fighting in the second half where they dominated.

 

Brazil found the winner with 15 minutes left on the clock through substitute Hulk after a defensive slip-up.

 

Up until that time, Itumeleng Khune had kept them at bay with some superb saves that earned him the man of the match performance.

 

“It was a very good match, a solid performance from the guys. What is even pleasing is that their players were even showering us with praises saying we have a very good team and we should keep it up. Now when such quality players say those things it means we are going somewhere. Just a pity we conceded a soft goal, but I am happy with the team’s overall display,” said Khune.

 

It was an improved performance from Igesund’s squad in his first match as Bafana Bafana head coach.

 

“It was a tough match and one we did not deserve to lose. I am not happy with the results but satisfied with the performance of the players after we had only four training sessions together. It was important for us to play such a great team and we can take a lot of out this match. I am proud of these players,” said Igesund.

 

“We took them on in their backyard and had them rattled, but were unfortunate not to come out with a win. We showed a lot of character, had passion in our play and displayed a lot of fighting spirit. But we should not get ahead of ourselves, there is a still a long way to go as this is part of preparations for next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.”

 

Bongani Khumalo captained the squad – the first time ever.

 

 “We were against quality players and we did very well, showed great character. We created a lot of chances in the game despite playing against the best. We need not get carried away by the performance and we know we can do better. We can take a lot of positives out of the result,” said Khumalo.

 

“It was a very good performance from the players. We had a lot of fighting spirit today and credit to all the players – and that is something we have to keep on doing. As for the captaincy, it was a big surprise for me. I can say today is a special moment and something I will look back on with pride. I appreciate and am grateful for the confidence the coach has shown in me. It is something I cannot put in words.”

 

Debutant Furman was also elated at his first cap.

 

“We all came out with a feeling of disappointment that we did not win the match, but it was a great performance all round from the players. I think in the first half they were on top but we improved in the second half and dominated,” said Furman.

 

“It was incredible to don the South African jersey for the first time and sing the national anthem – a surreal moment for me and something that will live with me for the rest of my life. I am proud of being in the squad and this has my family proud too, such a pity they could not be here to share the moment with me.”

 

This is how they lined up:Brazil: Diego Alves, Dani Alves, David Luiz, Dede, Marcelo (Alex Sandro 60), Lucas Moura, Romulo (Paulinho 64), Ramires, Oscar, Leandro Damiao (Hulk 64), Neymar (Arouca 90)

 

South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Bongani Khumalo (C), Siyabonga Sangweni, Punch Masenamela, Dean Furman (Siphiwe Mahlangu 59), Kagiso Dikgacoi, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Lerato Chabangu (Reneilwe Letsholonyane 56),Dino Ndlovu (Benni McCarthy 33) (Bernard Parker 44), Thulani Serero.

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