What a way for Bafana Bafana to complete the Afcon qualifiers with a morale-boosting 2-1 win over the number one team in the continent, Morocco, at FNB Stadium last Saturday to round off the celebration of former Bafana coach, Clive Barker's memory as he was laid to rest two days earlier.
Affectionately known as "The Dog", Barker passed away on Saturday June 10 after a long illness and his was a huge loss for South African football, as he is the most successful Bafana coach. He has contributed immensely to the growth and development of our game, with a number of our top players having gone through his teachings, whether at club or national team level. A coach who played a significant role on and off the field by winning the only Afcon trophy we've ever laid our hands on and qualifying us for the first FIFA World Cup in 1998, not to mention uniting the country through his team selection, which perfectly reflected the diverse population we have in our country.
This is a man who defied the apartheid laws by venturing into the black communities when that was frowned upon and illegal for a white man to do. Coach Clive left an indelible mark in everyone's heart because he was a good human being before being a good coach. He only saw a human being, not their skin colour. He treated and respected everyone equally, regardless of their backgrounds. When you listen to his former players speak about him, you get the feeling that he was more of a father-figure, motivator and a mentor before he was a coach. There's definitely something to learn from him, especially for the young, up-and- coming coaches from grassroots level all the way up. You didn't have to be a football supporter to love and appreciate Clive, he was everyone's favourite with his unique way of going about his business.
Clive must be smiling after what we witnessed at FNB Stadium on Saturday, as it was the kind of atmosphere he made us to be used to at that very same venue. The 2-1 win was one of the highlights of our national team in a long time, a much-needed victory to boost the supporters' confidence and instil self-belief in the team. To do this a few days after coach Clive's funeral was just a cherry on top and a super proud moment for everyone. To say this game was pleasing to the eye would be an understatement. The whole team gave a good account of themselves and the supporters came to the party. We have not seen our team playing in front of such a good crowd in a long time and that's partly due to unpleasing results as everyone loves a winner. Something was just different about this game even before it was played.
The news that over 40 000 tickets had been sold/issued on the day was not easy to believe, knowing how poor the support has been for our national team in Gauteng. As matchday drew closer, the supporters started streaming into the venue and turning the empty chairs into a beautiful sight of a bunch of passionate supporters rallying behind their team in a game they were not even expected to win, if we are being honest. On paper, and based on previous results, a draw would have been a massive result for our team, but they went above and beyond that to secure a win. Those who made the trip to the stadium surely got value for their money, while those who decided against attending the game, expecting another disappointing outing, must have regretted their decision and wished they were there to absorb the beautiful atmosphere that prevailed at the stadium.
According to SAFA's Media Office, over 50 000 people attended the game and that's a wonderful figure compared to the past. We have to give the supporters a round of applause for creating a spectacular atmosphere for the players who have, for a number of games now, surely dragged themselves to the field to represent their country in front of empty chairs. They must have felt like outcasts, at times, looking at the lack of interest and support in their games and probably wished they were overlooked for call-ups by coach Hugo Broos and his technical team. That's not what representing your country should make you feel. It should be every footballer's wish to don the national team jersey, knowing the whole country will be behind them. Maybe, just maybe, the spirit of "The Dog" had something to do with the change of fortunes and the wonderful support that our national team received. Maybe it was our people's way of honouring Clive and sending him off, at a match venue he had turned into a fortress for his team, since not everyone could attend his funeral. Be that as it may, he was surely smiling watching over everyone at the stadium as our team delivered beyond expectations.
Make no mistake, this was no second-string Morocco team and the fact that both teams had already qualified for the next Afcon played no part in this game. There was nothing dead rubber about this game as both teams gave as good as they got and the better team won. You've got to give credit to coach Broos for the way he handled the team, Percy Tau's leadership by example and showing character, Ronwen Williams for leading from the back and keeping things tight, Themba Zwane for his positive influence and impact with or even without possession, Zakhele Lepasa for keeping the opposition on their toes with his impressive runs behind the defence, although he should have been involved in more goals, Bathusi Aubaas for an incredible debut and playing his socks off for the cause and staking a claim for a starting position, making the competition for places all the more intense. These are just some of the players worth mentioning, but the whole team was just unbelievable with Thapelo Morena bombing up and down the right flank, impacting the game on either side. Well done, guys, coach Clive must have been smiling as you reminded everyone of the good old days when Bafana didn't care about or fear anyone, when they knew and believed they were as good as everyone else, if not better. Coach Broos is certainly onto something with this team and they can only get better from that performance.
As long as he keeps this team together and maintains consistency in his team selection, there is still massive potential to be unlocked from this team and they can surprise a lot of people at the next Afcon. We always hammer the coach and his charges when they are not living up to expectations, but we have to, equally, give credit where it is due. It looks like happy days are back, if what we saw against a top Moroccan team is anything to go by. Lepasa's goal celebration sealed the deal for everyone, as images of coach Clive's aeroplane celebration started flooding our minds. What a thoughtful moment from the SuperSport United striker on loan from Orlando Pirates! Well done, guys, you've really made everyone proud of being South African and supporting Bafana Bafana!
