No excuses ...Bafana Bafana must qualify for Fifa World Cup, says Roger de Sa

Ahead of Bafana Bafana’s crucial World Cup qualifying clashes against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, senior soccer writer Matshelane Mamabolo caught up with Roger de Sa, who served as Carlos Queiroz’s assistant when South Africa last booked their place at the global showpiece — way back in 2001.

Now assisting Queiroz in Oman, De Sa admits to disappointment over the administrative blunder that saw Bafana docked three points, but remains convinced that Hugo Broos’s men have what it takes to secure qualification.

Matshelane Mamabolo (MM): You were part of the last Bafana squad to qualify for the World Cup way back in 2002. Why have we failed to qualify since then?

Roger de Sa (RD): Yes, I do remember that time. It was great being part of the technical team when we last qualified. We drew and got the point against Liberia with a match to spare, so I have some very good memories of that campaign. But not such good memories after that, obviously, because SAFA decided to change the whole team that did all the work. So it was disappointing not to go to the tournament.

Qualifying for the World Cup in previous years was difficult because only a few teams could qualify. But this time the format has opened up to allow more teams in, which makes it easier. It’s an ideal opportunity for South Africa to qualify.

MM: Hugo Broos is on the verge of emulating Carlos and you. What has he got right that his predecessors didn’t?

RD: I think Hugo Broos has done a fantastic job — I really do. He’s brought a lot of calmness to the whole setup. His selection process has been consistent and he’s followed through with his plan and system for the team. I’m glad that people have let him do his job without interference.

MM: The team need only win their last two matches. How much of a negative impact will the three-point deduction have on their psyche?

RD: Ja, losing the three points the way they did is criminal — it really is. I’d like to know what the consequences of that will be. Who’s going to take responsibility? No one has put their hand up or pointed fingers anywhere. It’s really sad that the administration’s attention to detail was so poor. It’s very bad that a lack of discipline and administrative savvy has put the team under a lot of pressure — and there’s still no accountability. Someone has to be held responsible.

MM: Bafana have back-to-back matches against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. What will be important for this team in preparing for those battles?

RD: Ja, they’re two tough matches. There are no easy games at international level. Zimbabwe and Rwanda will play for pride, so it’s always going to be a battle. But Bafana have had great results and a fantastic run in the qualifiers. Apart from that administrative booboo, they would’ve been there already. Unfortunately, the pressure is now on and they’ve got tough matches ahead.

MM: How should they go about it mentally? Do they have the mentality to get over the line?

RD: They’ll play their hearts out — they always do. I think Hugo Broos has made sure that jersey has become a proud one to wear. It’s not just given to anyone who plays a couple of good games; it’s now a consistent national team with good players.

The competitiveness of the PSL, and clubs doing well in African competitions, has helped develop players for international football. That’s really helped the national team. Of course, we still have a long way to go, but the last four years have shown real progress.

MM: Coach Broos has said he doesn’t believe other teams — Benin in particular — will win both their matches. Should South Africa even think about results elsewhere, or stay focused on their own?

RD: Ja, he’s right to focus on his own game. Of course, you can keep an ear on what’s happening in the other matches if they’re played at the same time. But rightly so, focus on your own game. The opponents are beatable. Bafana can win both games. I just hope they don’t get the jitters or the nerves if things don’t go their way. If they focus on their own football, they’ll get the points needed — and then the pressure shifts to the other teams. I actually think the pressure is more on them than on South Africa.

MM: Who do you see as the key players in these matches?

RD: I think Broos has always picked the in-form players — the guys performing well in the PSL. There are a few overseas-based players, but he can build around the local ones. Hopefully going forward we’ll see more South Africans plying their trade abroad.

MM: Both Zimbabwe and Rwanda have goalkeepers who play in the PSL. Will that be an advantage for them?

RD: That doesn’t mean much. We’ve got plenty of PSL players ourselves, so there are no secrets. The PSL is a respected league in Africa, watched by everyone. I’m just glad we’re heading in the right direction — it’s long overdue for South Africa to return to the World Cup. Hopefully, we’ll get it right in these next two matches.