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Okocha backing Bafana in 2010
By Matthew Kenyon, Johannesburg
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Okocha: Has faith in African teams /
Photo Football365.co.za
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Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha believes Bafana Bafana will
spring a few surprises in the 2010 World Cup.
The former Bolton and Hull City star is tipping Joel Santana's charges
to make the most of their status as hosts.
"I believe that South Africa will surprise many people, it is a proven
fact that in most cases the host country does well in major football competitions
and I don't see why South Africa should not be added amongst these,"
he told the official PSL website.
The 35-year-old is also confident that the African teams as a whole will
perform well in the continent's first global showpiece.
"A large number of the (African) players will be playing against
many of the players with whom they already play with at their clubs in
Europe, and secondly they will be spurred on by the home support,"
he added.
"For them to play against their club teammates in Africa will add
that special motivation.
"Also, there are no small teams anymore, who would have thought that
Greece would win the 2004 Euro Championships?"
Okocha insists measures should be put in place to ensure maximum support
for the African nations.
"We cannot allow the other visiting supporters to come to Africa
and dominate the competition, there should be special measures put in
place by the fans and the federations to have as many supporters here
as possible in 2010," he concluded.
Football365.co.za,
08/12/08
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