Pretoria – A year after kick-off of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Bafana Bafana current leading goal scorer, Katlego “Killer” Mphela says the tournament vibe created some unforgettable moments.
“It was extraordinary and it was unforgettable, not just for the players, but for the country and the continent. Leading up to the first game, the country was filled with a very positive vibe and it gave us the belief that as players, we could conquer the world.
“As an individual, those moments changed my life for the better and I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support,” he was quoted as saying on the website of his club, Mamelodi Sundowns.
The 26-year-old striker has scored 19 goals for the national team from 38 appearances and this is partly because of his style of play, which includes challenging defenders with both pace and strength.
During the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he played in the inaugural match against Mexico, which ended with a 1–1 draw.
In Bafana’s final group encounter in Bloemfontein, Mphela scored the second goal in a 2–1 win against France as South Africa exited the tournament.
It was Mphela who opened the scoring in South Africa’s first international friendly match following the 2010 World Cup, putting Bafana Bafana up 1–nil against Ghana.
Again, Mphela scored the winner for Bafana against Egypt in the 93rd minute, with a perfect finish that saw the North Africans beaten by South Africa for the first time in competitive football between the two countries.
His goal increased Bafana hopes of qualifying for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. – Nthambeleni Gabara, BuaNews
