Lowly Bolivia may test Bafana’s newfound mettle

By LUXOLO MANTAMBO

BOLIVIA are an inferior side, or so many people may think.

They are the perennial strugglers of South American football – a region known for producing some of the world’s most talented prima donnas.

They cannot be compared to Brazil, or Argentina and certainly not Mexico.

But they did cause a minor upset upset when they held favourites Brazil to a 1-1 draw in October 2005.

Bolivia are ranked 101st in the Fifa rankings, making them the lowest ranked South American country.

But while they may not be regarded as a powerhouse, Bafana Bafana can expect a real test when they host them in a friendly international at Ellis Park tonight.

Under a new regime and new coach in Erwin Sanchez – a legend in the country – Bolivia appear to have been transformed.

However, they do meet a Bafana Bafana side which is steadily improving under coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

A full-strength Bafana Bafana – comprised of a strong contingent of European-based representatives – will arrive at Ellis Park wanting to continue their recently acquired winning streak.

Parreira has rewarded those players who did the job for him last weekend against Chad with another bite at the cherry.

The Brazilian is unlikely to make radical changes for this encounter but he may be tempted to tamper slightly in an effort to try out different combinations.

In this respect the return of young Orlando Pirates right-back Innocent Mdledle could relegate Kaizer Chiefs captain Cyril Nzama to the bench.

Although Bafana’s game against Bolivia will be the first ever meeting between the two nations, the South Africans have generally struggled against South Americans on previous occasions.

Bafana’s 3-0 triumph over Chad last week should only serve as motivation and not be some kind of ticket for complacency.

The win in N’Djamena dethroned group 11 leaders Congo-Brazzaville, and Bafana’s trip to Ghana now looks guaranteed – if they don’t choke in their next three games, that is.

Yesterday Parreira said: “When I visualise where I want us to be, there’s still a long way to travel.

“I’m satisfied with what we have achieved so far but as I said, the road ahead is long, very long.”