Bafana Bafana striker Lyle Foster missed a penalty in their Fifa World Cup warm-up match against Nicaragua.
Image: Backpagepix
As Bafana Bafana prepare for the Fifa World Cup next month, supporters will be hoping that Themba Zwane duly remembers the adage "to whom much is given, much is expected", as he looks to lead from the front at the global showpiece.
Bafana played out a frustrating goalless draw against minnows Nicaragua in their final friendly match on home soil, held at a chilly Orlando Stadium on Friday night. The result may have slightly dampened the spirits of the players, who had only recently been named in the final tournament-bound squad.
Hugo Broos’s team will now look to conclude their preparations with a victory against Jamaica in Pachuca. The Mexican city will serve as their base camp ahead of their highly anticipated opening game of the global showpiece against the hosts, Mexico, on June 11.
While this World Cup will be a first for all the players in the Bafana ranks, their established talismans — including Zwane — are expected to anchor the side. Zwane commands immense respect both on and off the pitch.
He certainly commanded that respect in Orlando, but his characteristic humility inadvertently undermined his potential impact on the night. He had a clear chance to truly shine, but ultimately let the opportunity slip.
The 36-year-old was one of only a handful of regulars in a Bafana line-up that was largely makeshift. He nonetheless proved exactly why he remains the smoothest player in domestic football, weaving past his markers with trademark ease.
Zwane’s exquisite control brought a vital sense of calm to his younger teammates. However, Bafana’s freedom going forward was heavily limited as Nicaragua maintained a disciplined low block, constantly looking to exploit any counter-attack opportunity. Kamogelo Sebelebele, playing on his familiar home turf, complemented Zwane well with his trickery, with his positive movements eventually winning Bafana a penalty on the stroke of half-time.
"Mshishi" immediately grabbed the ball to take the spot-kick, drawing loud roars of approval from the stands. However, a sombre mood quickly fell over the stadium when he handed the ball to Lyle Foster, who had been largely ineffective from the start.
Foster sent goalkeeper Pineda Castrillo the wrong way, but his shot unceremoniously struck the upright and bounced away to safety. The missed effort was greeted by a chorus of boos, denying Zwane a celebratory moment — particularly after Mamelodi Sundowns had announced earlier in the day that the veteran had renewed his contract for at least another season.
Granted, Foster may well have been the pre-match designated penalty taker. But with Zwane wearing the captain's armband, clearly enjoying his football, and acting as the most senior player on the pitch, he should have overridden the bench's plans and taken the penalty himself. After all, the team had absolutely nothing to lose in a friendly encounter.
Broos rang the changes at half-time, introducing the dynamic duo of Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis. While the pair injected a slight spark into Bafana’s stalling attack, their subsequent shots on goal were easily dealt with by Castrillo.
Nicaragua will certainly be pleased with both the result and their defensive performance, but Bafana will not. They will be deeply disappointed that they failed to dismantle the central American minnows — a failure for which disgruntled supporters will likely place significant blame on Zwane for his overly polite decision to step aside at the penalty spot.