By Ayomide Tayo
When it comes to football in Africa, the Bafana Bafana can be compared to the Three Lions of England. The only major victory England has had in football was winning the world cup in 1966 on home soil. Similarly the only major tournament the South Africa football team has won is the African Cup of Nations in 1996 hosted on their home turf.
The next competition saw them losing out to Egypt in 1998. In 2002, they took home the bronze after defeating Tunisia via penalty shoot out. Their football prowess has dwindled considerably over the years.
Hosting the tournament for the second time will be the Bafana Bafana's best chance at winning the 2013 African Cup of Nations. Their team might not be filled with stars, with the exception of Steven Pienaar, who plays for Everton in England. Yet just like England, South Africa has a way of creating magic when they play on home soil backed by vuvuzela blowing fans.
Yes, they failed to live up to expectations at the World Cup, with Ghana making the continent proud. However, that was the World Cup, and this is the Nations Cup. The Mandela boys can push football back into the forefront in a country where cricket and rugby are the major sports.
