Nigeria legend Jay Jay Okocha has jokingly taunted former Bafana Bafana captain, Lucas Radebe about South Africa's triumph at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, saying the best team didn't take part.
Read: Radebe: I Had To Kick Him First. Jay Jay: He Followed Me To The Loo
Soccer Laduma's Fan Park editor, Rossella Marrai-Ricco, and International Editor, David Kappel, caught up with the two African legends during an ABSA/Barclays Media Appreciation Day event in Cape Town.
One of the main arguments arose around the 1996 Afcon tournament, which Bafana famously won, while Nigeria's Super Eagles, who would win the gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, didn't take part.
David Kappel: You played for Nigeria when they were at their peak, winning Gold at the 1996 Olympics. That same year Bafana Bafana and Lucas won the Africa Cup of Nations. Do you think you would have had a chance to stop them from winning?
Jay Jay Okocha: We would have had a chance to stop Bafana Bafana. But of course that's the beauty of the game, because you never know what would have been. It would have been nice to play each other then because they were on top of their game as we were, but unfortunately it didn't happen. It was a situation beyond us. It would have been nice to play Bafana then, because they needed a better challenge (laughs).
Rossella Marrai-Ricco: What would it have been like facing Nigeria in the final?
Lucas Radebe: It would have been a cracker. We were disappointed that they were not involved. Nigeria are one of the teams you want to beat, it's always been like that since. We have been getting a beating from them for how long? But unfortunately they didn't show up. (laughs) But we always respected them, they always had a great team and we ourselves always think, if there is one team that we have to beat to conquer Africa, it is Nigeria. It's not just Nigeria the name, it's all the quality players that played for them.
David Kappel: When you win the tournament, everyone says 'You are the best', but of course you want to beat the best.
Lucas Radebe: Yes, I mean as individuals I think…
Jay Jay Okocha interrupts: The best didn't take part. (both laughing)
Lucas Radebe: The best won the tournament.
