Is Ntseki's 2022 Vision Coming Together?
Interim head coach Molefi Ntseki, addressed the media last week, as he conducted his first Bafana Bafana squad announcement, ahead of their friendly against Zambia ?on September 7th at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.??? Respected within the national set up right through the age ranks, Nteki reported his first-ever squad selection to the nation Referring to the 2022 FIFA World Cup vision, was this a hint of the players who could represent Bafana Bafana, should they qualify for the global showpiece in three years? Read: Shock! Front Runners For SA National Team Job Revealed "We are in the second phase of vision, 2022, of which if you look at the first phase of vision 2022, which started in 2014, fortunately for me, I am the one who started with the U 17 that qualified for the World Cup, so now I'm in this chair as interim Bafana Bafana coach. I am also starting the second phase of vision 2022." Does the current Bafana Bafana squad look like one for the future or more like a team of yesteryear? Have a look at the 23-man squad age profile by the time 2022 comes around: Over 32 – Darren Keet, Bradley Grobler, Dean Furman, Thamsanqa Mkhize Between 30-32 – Rowen Williams, Eric Mathoho, Buhle Mkhwanazi, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Thapelo Morena, Thato Mokeke, Innocent Maela, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Bongani Zungu, Thembinkosi Lorch, Thulani Serero, Keagan Dolly, Kermit Erasmus Under 30 – Brandon Petersen, Rivaldo Coetzee, Lebogang Maboe, Lebogang Phiri, Percy Tau, Lebo Mothiba Read Bafana Squad For Friendly Announced The players over 32 years of age are highly unlikely to play a crucial role, if any, during the FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, starting in 2020. However, there is a healthy dearth of players in the 30-32 age column. This group is likely to form the core of Bafana Bafana's World Cup qualifying campaign. The likes of Thulani Hlatshwayo, Bongani Zungu and co, are set to be senior members within the squad. Highly talented youngsters like Rivaldo Coetzee will also look to contribute and grow in their respective roles. Has Nteki found the right formula to remedy our national problems or has he just continued where former Bafana coaches have left off? Let us know in the comment section below!
