Radebe feels his side can reach round two (Allsport)
RADEBE CONFIDENT OF PROGRESS
By PA Sport Staff
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UENO CITY, May 26 (World Cup) -- Talismanic South Africa defender Lucas Radebe
believes Bafana Bafana are well capable of making progress at this summer's
World Cup finals.
Radebe has only just returned to the international set-up following a lengthy
injury lay-off, but the Leeds United club captain has been impressed by what he
has seen.
And with youngsters such as Jabu Pule, Steven Pienaar and McBeth Sibaya
starting to look accomplished at the highest level, Radebe is adamant his side
are not going to the World Cup just to make up the numbers.
When asked if they could qualify for the second phase for the first time in
their history, Radebe said: "Why not? We have the strength and depth.
"The atmosphere and spirit in this squad is as good as the one we had in 1996
when we won the Nations Cup," he said in the Cape Argus.
"And the good thing now is that we have young players who are hungry for
success and a good coach who not only knows the culture but who allows us to be
ourselves."
South Africa have been drawn in Group B alongside Spain, Slovenia and
Paraguay, who they meet in their opening game in Busan on June 2.
Radebe is hopeful some of the younger players in the squad can really set the
tournament alight.
"I'd heard about how good some of these players like Pule and Pienaar are,
but I was not really sure what to expect from the others.
"We've so much talent I have no doubt we will do well at the World Cup."
Radebe sat out yesterday's final warm-up match against J-League side Vissel in
Ueno City, a game South Africa won 3-0.
Quinton Fortune, captaining a much-changed side in Radebe's absence, scored
one of the goals from the penalty spot, having won the kick himself.
The Manchester United man made a brilliant run from midfield, passed the ball
through the defence and ran on to meet it before he was upended by the
goalkeeper.
George Koumantarakis, the lanky Basle striker, had opened the scoring after 13
minutes with Udinese's Siyabonga Nomvete completing the scoring in the second
half.
This was South Africa's fourth win in four matches as they prepare for their
second World Cup appearance.
Prior to this match, they had won the Reunification Cup in Hong Kong by
beating both Scotland and Turkey 2-0. They also beat Madagascar 1-0 before
leaving for the Far East.
The squad departs Japan for South Korea on Tuesday.
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