Bafana Bafana became everybody’ beloved team at the tournament and captured the hearts of almost every fan who watched the 2002 World Cup with their dazzling kasi flavour moments.
The southern africa team came into the tournament with optimism and most of the players playing their trade in Europe’s elite leagues.
Most used the World Cup as a shop window and secured moves across Europe in the aftermath of the competition, but where are they now?
Goalkeepers:
Andre Arendse, the tall goal minder injured in France just before the start of the last World Cup finals. He was named as South Africa’s Footballer of the Year after helping Santos to win the country’s premier league. He is now a Supersport analyst and current Supersport United Goalkeeper Coach.
Calvin Marlin, Secured his place in the squad after sparing South Africa’s blushes with a save in the post-match penalty shootout that allowed Bafana Bafana to progress past the first round of the regional Cosafa Castle Cup. He now works as a goalkeeping coach for Cape Town City.
Hans Vonk, Discovered by a South African soccer magazine but it took officials two years to be persuaded he might be a solid proposition in the South African goal. Debut two months before the 1998 World Cup finals, where he played in all three of South Africa’s matches. He recently resigned as Ajax Cape Town Head of football.
Defenders:
Bradley Carnell, Left back who was the first player to represent South Africa at all levels, from under-17, under-20, under-23 and then into the senior side. Also held the record as the youngest player in South Africa’s professional league, debuting at 16 for Wits University. He works as an assistant coach with the New York Red Bulls.
Pierre Issa, Did not play any club football for his first division team in England but still considered experienced enough to be chosen for the South African World Cup squad. Spent six months on loan at Chelsea. He is the current sporting director of the Greek side Olympiacos.
Jacob Lekgetho, was a last minute inclusion in the World Cup squad after injury to central defender Matthew Booth. A left-sided player, Lekgetho has attracted attention from clubs in Italy and Germany. Lekgetho sadly passed on in a car accident in Cape Town.
Aaron Mokoena, Youngest player to appear for South Africa in a full international, debuting aged 18 in 1999. Seen as the natural successor to Lucas Radebe in the heart of defence. He is currently a head of scout for Swallows FC.
Thabang Molefe, Tough tackling defender who has spent a lot of time on the wrong side of referees. Was sent off in his second international for a brutal two-footed tackle. Since his retirement we never heard of him.
Cyril Nzama, Versatile player, adept at right back or in the centre of defence. He lost his place in the South African squad through injury after playing 11 successive games, including a fair chunk of the World Cup qualifying campaign. He retired, last played for Batau FC.
Lucas Radebe, Captain of Bafana Bafana, who fought his way back into the team after being sidelined with career-threatening injuries. He now holds the joint record for the most number of caps. He is now a philanthropic ambassador.
Midfielders:
Delron Buckley, Spent all his playing career in Germany but was captain of South Africa’s under-17 side before joining Bochum. Given a first cap on the eve of the World Cup finals in 1998. He noe owns a football academy in Durban.
Quinton Fortune, Started at Venables’s former English top flight club Tottenham Hotspur but left after impressing Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson in a trial at Old Trafford. He is currently Manchester United U23s coach.
Thabo Mngomeni, Dreadlocked-midfielder who won his first cap at the age of 29. Captained Pirates to the South African championship but was banned for six months for attempting to attack a referee in a league match. he currently works on a development project in Langa in Cape Town.
Bennett Mnguni, Another player who peaked at a late age, making his professional debut in his mid-20s and going on to impress with his midfield work rate. He now owns a soccer academy.
Teboho Mokoena, A surprise omission from South Africa’s squad that went to the Nations Cup finals in Mali. Scored for his Swiss club in Uefa Cup after joining them from Johannesburg’s Jomo Cosmos. He is now a chairperson of Teboho Mokoena Sports Development Foundation.
MacDonald Mukansi, Former junior athletics champion who has incredible pace down the wing but lacks consistency. He previously played in Cyprus and with five clubs in South Africa’s premier league. Since his retirement we never heard of him
Steven Pienaar, Teenage prodigy who helped Ajax win the league and cup ‘double’ in the Netherlands and made the World Cup squad without a single international appearance. He is now an ambassador for English Premier League side Everton.
Jabu Pule, Skilful yet diminutive player who was named as South African Players’ Player of the Year. He has a high profile reputation in South Africa’s tabloid press for his high jinx off the field. he is currently a football analyst for Supersport.
MacBeth Sibaya, Debuted for South Africa in the World Cup qualifier in Malawi but then ignored right up until the Nations Cup in Mali. He is a strong tackler who is also a handy fill-in at the centre of defence should he be required. He is now Supersport United youth coach.
Sibusiso Zuma, Exciting right winger who has catapulted himself into the focus of many of Europe’s leading clubs with his performances in European club competition for FC Copenhagen. He is currently a chairman of Sibusiso Zuma Legacy Holdings.
Strikers:
George Koumantarakis, surprise selection for the World Cup squad almost two years after his last international. But the Greek-born front man did win the Swiss championship with FC Basel. He is currently a businessman and member of Koumantarakis Group CC.
Benni McCarthy, went into the World Cup full of confidence after 12 goals in as many games on loan at FC Porto for the remainder of the season. Scored at the last World Cup finals against his boyhood hero Peter Schmeichel of Denmark. He is a football coach, lost his position after being released by Cape Town City.
Siyabonga Nomvete, Sold to Udinese by Kaizer Chiefs but has only forced his way into the first team ever since. Former winner of South Africa’s Footballer of the Year award and currently is playing for Glad Africa Championship side Uthongathi FC.
Coach
Jomo Sono, was appointed as caretaker coach, this time for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan. During the World Cup, the South African squad did not progress beyond the first round. He is currently a coach and owner of Jomo Cosmos.
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