Jay-Jay says Bafana will Shine

By MOZOLA MOLEFE/TIMES LIVE

Jay-Jay Okocha is backing at least one of the six African countries at the World Cup to reach the semifinals in July.

The former captain of Nigeria said yesterday that the African teams would be especially inspired at this year's World Cup because it was in their own backyard.

Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Algeria, and South Africa all have difficult groups in the first round, especially Bafana, who are joined in Group A with France, Uruguay and Mexico.

But even the hosts, lowest-ranked of all the African teams, are given a chance of going beyond the first round.

"I saw them [Bafana] during the Confederations Cup last year and after that I was confident that they would do well in this year's tournament. They also have the added factor of having a Brazilian coach," said Okocha.

He said the World Cup in South Africa would be a huge opportunity for African countries to "re-write our football history".

"Based on the current form of some of the teams, a semifinal finish should not be impossible. Let's face it, our football is suffering. But, we can achieve this," he said.

He singled out Ivory Coast as favourites to take that semifinal spot despite their poor performance in the African Cup of Nations.

"It is typical that when one country is given so much attention they tend to be a disappointment because of the pressure on them," he said of the Ivorians' Nations Cup performance.

The Didier Drogba-led Ivory Coast will face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea in the group stages in June.

On Nigeria's chances at the World Cup, Okocha said the appointment of coach Lars Lagerback last month had brought optimism.

"We needed help," he said. "He was the favourite when interviews were conducted earlier on and now it is his job to get the top players to do the job for the country."

He said the Super Eagles were not under pressure ahead of the World Cup, but felt they had already been written off as a surprise package in the tournament.