I'm watching the South Africa - Iraq Confederations Cup match this morning and I can't help but notice the trumpeting elephant horns shrieking incessantly throughout the crowd. I'll be in Cape Town for the World Cup next year, so I'm paying close attention to every detail...
The horns are called vuvuzelas and they sound like foghorns - and are modern spin-offs of traditional instruments made from spiraling kudu horns.

adidas and the South African Football Association have launched the new South African national football team's away jersey Bafana Bafana players will wear the new jersey for the first time when they take on Norway next Saturday, 28 March during the Nelson Mandela Challenge match in Rustenburg. The jersey design was inspired by the current above-the-line [.

Lucas Radebe Prog 1
Originally uploaded by 654amar El 2 de Mayo del 2005 se jugo un partido en conmemoración del máximo jugador e ídolo Sudafricano Lucas Radebe.
Ademas de que Lucas Radebe, capitán del equipo nacional sudafricano Bafana Bafana y del club Leeds United, de la Premier League inglesa, se cuenta desde hace seis años entre los más comprometidos y apreciados embajadores FIFA para Aldeas Infantiles SOS.

Move aside Bafana Bafana. The world has a new favourite South African team, and their name is Vakhegula Vakhegula, which means "Grannies" in the local Xitsonga dialect. Why? Because they're a team of grandmothers of course, ranging in age from 40somethinng to 80something and competing in an eight team local league in around the Nkowankowa township, 600 kilometers north of Johannesburg.

Well that's the Bafana Bafana's 16th new jersey in 11 years and let's hope it is the lucky strip that will take the team past the opening round of the 2010 World Cup.

New Bafana Bafana Jersey

According to Kickoff, "the New Bafana Bafana kit is not much different from the current one, other than it being a whole lot sleeker and bearing a small South African flag, it was the one chosen from 21 alternatives by the Bafana players and technical team.

When I wanted to write a preview of the Bafana Bafana vs Jamaica match in Bloemfontein this evening, I thought I would just go and see what the online experts say.

Kickoff.com Bafana's One problem is Two Shoes

Former Bafana Bafana midfielder John "Shoes" Moshoeu says that while South Africa has not been doing very well in their last few international games, all is not yet lost.

It ultimately ended in heart-break for South Africa in the Confederations Cup semi-final against Brazil, but Bafana Bafana will be back.
The competition is seen as a trial run ahead of next year's World Cup and the first real test of South Africa's ability to host such a large sporting contest.

Ladies and gentlemen, the final for the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup trophy is set. One of the teams was expected, the other team supposedly didn't have a chance. It will be Brazil vs. United States. The Brazilians made the final after defeating South Africa 1-0 in Johannesburg.
South Africa played well and kept the Brazilians from establishing their offensive rhythm.

UPDATE: According to Kickoff.com, Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagisho Dikgacoi is close to signing for Fulham. He said,

"I started a medical test today and will complete it tomorrow. Everything has gone well and depending on the medical test I will sign soon.

Carlos Alberto Parreira is the new coach for the South African National Soccer Team. After two weeks of rumours and denials, the South African Football Association (SAFA) made the announcement just after 7pm at OR Tambo airport in Johannesburg.

During this Bafana coach fiasco, it seemed all that the loyal and passionate supporters were agreed upon, is that they were happy that Joel Santana was out of the picture.

The coaches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup teams have started arriving in South Africa ahead of Friday's final draw.
The much-anticipated draw will determine the groups and matches for the tournament's first round and everybody wants to avoid the legendary "group of death."

Diego Maradona was Banned

All but one of the 32 coaches will attend the event Argentina's controversial Diego Maradona was banned.

The 2010 World Cup is exactly one year away.
This Sunday marks the start of South Africa's dry run - the 2009 Confederations Cup.
Many observers see this tournament, pitting South Africa and world champions Italy against football's six continental winners as a good indication of what to expect come next year.

The 2009 Confederations Cup kicked off yesterday in South Africa.
We've seen four games. What have we learned so far?
1 - Spain is very, very good.
As in, VERY good. I may be a bit biased here, as I absolutely adore this team. But how can anyone argue with players like Xavi, David Villa, Fernando Torres and Iker Casillas?

Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein: Scorers: David Villa 52, Fernando Llorente 72 Missed penalty: David Villa 51 Halftime: 0-0; Attendance: 38,212 Teams South Africa: 16-Itumeleng Khune; 2-Siboniso Gaxa, 4-Aaron Mokoena, 14-Matthew Booth, 3-Tsepo Masilela; 10-Steven Pienaar, 6-MacBeth Sibaya (21-Katlego Mashego 83), 13-Kagisho Dikgacoi, 5-Benson Mhlongo, 12-Teko Modise; 17-Bernard Parker (8-Siphiwe Tshabalala 90+2).

Play it loud, South Africa! SoccerBlog.com goes on record in favor of the Vuvuzela.

Brazil has the support of its Samba drums, the Bafana Bafana has vuvuzela support.

Don't let a few journalists and European players throw a wet blanket on the celebration.

Play it loud, South Africa! SoccerBlog.com goes on record in favor of the Vuvuzela.

Brazil has the support of its Samba drums, the Bafana Bafana has vuvuzela support.

Don't let a few journalists and European players throw a wet blanket on the celebration.

Brazil are into the final of the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup after a late victory over a resilient South Africa. Substitute Daniel Alves scored the game winner for the Selecção 6 minutes after coming on as a substitute. At Ellis Park, Johannesburg: Scorer: Daniel Alves 88 South Africa: 16-Itumeleng Khune; 2-Siboniso Gaxa, 3-Tsepo Masilela, 4-Aaron Mokoena, 14-Matthew Booth; 5-Benson [.

The exciting 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup is unfortunately over as the final matchday witnessed 2 dramatic matches with identical scorelines that justify football's place as "The Beautiful Game." The 3rd place game was a Thriller.
La Furia Roja and Bafana Bafana played an extra time affair whose drama started in the 2nd half with some fire from a couple of subs.

It ultimately ended in heart-break for South Africa in the Confederations Cup semi-final against Brazil, but Bafana Bafana will be back.
The competition is seen as a trial run ahead of next year's World Cup and the first real test of South Africa's ability to host such a large sporting contest.

It is with a heavy heart that I am attempting to write this South Africa vs Iceland Preview. Bafana Bafana has lost seven times in a row, and without sounding negative (ok, I am sounding negative), I do not have much hope for today's match, even though Iceland is ranked 96.

Not Only Joel Santana

It is not just the much-vilified coach Joel Santana; it is the Bafana Bafana team as well.

"Bafana threw everything forward near the end but the defence of Iceland, a country that would fit into Soweto and with just 350 000 people, held firm."

Bafana Bafana Team Showed Some Improvement

On Tuesday night the 2010 World Cup hosts suffered a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Laugardalsvollur.

Carlos Alberto Parreira

The recent re-appointment of Carlos Alberto Parreira as coach of South Africa, replacing fellow Brazilian Joel Santana who had been hired on Parreira's recommendation, ignited that perennial question: is a national team, particularly one on the periphery of world football, better served by a local or an outsider?

adidas and the South African Football Association have launched the new South African national football team's away jersey that Bafana Bafana players will use as their home kit during FIFA World Cup 2010. The new South Africa adidas home jersey will see action for the first time ever during Bafana Bafana's November 14th friendly with World [.

Former Arsenal custodian Jens Lehmann is set to make his first foray onto the silver screen next year, after being cast as a talent scout in upcoming football film Themba.

Based on the novel of the same name by German-Dutch writer Lutz van Dijk, Sycholt's film follows eleven year-old Themba (whose name means hope) as he journeys from a poor background to playing for Bafana Bafana, the South African national football team.

After years of planning and with the eyes of international football focused on South Africa, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup officially gets underway this afternoon at 4 p.m. local time when the hosts take on Iraq at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The headlines splashed across the papers this morning are equal parts excitement and concern for the prospects of the Bafana Bafana, who failed to qualify for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

Brazil defeated hosts South Africa 1-0 last night to set up a Group B rematch with the United States in the Confederations Cup final on Sunday. Bafana Bafana put up a spirited resistance for the majority of the 90 minutes, buoyed by a vibrant sold-out crowd at Ellis Park, but Daniel Alves' 88th minute free kick proved to be the only difference between the two sides.

(Brasile-Sudafrica 1-0. Daniel Alves)
BRASILE (4-2-3-1): Julio Cesar, Maicon, Lucio, Luisao, Andre Santos (37'st Daniel Alves), Gilberto Silva, Melo, Ramires, Kak , Robinho, Luis Fabiano (47′st Kleberson). All.: Dunga.
SUDAFRICA (4-2-3-1): Khune, Gaxa, Mokoena, Booth, Masilela, Mhlongo, Dikgacoi, Modise (46'st Mashego), Tshabalala (46′st Mphela), Pienaar (48′st Van Heerden), Parker.

The exciting 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup is unfortunately over as the final matchday witnessed 2 dramatic matches with identical scorelines that justify football's place as "The Beautiful Game." The 3rd place game was a Thriller.

La Furia Roja and Bafana Bafana played an extra time affair whose drama started in the 2nd half with some fire from a couple of subs.

According to ESPN Soccernet, Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi is set to train with Fulham during pre-season.

His agent Mike Makaab also denied earlier that he was set to go on trial for Portsmouth. He said,

"I've not heard anything from Portsmouth.

Ertugral top choice to coach Ajax
SISA MAJOLA
JOHANNESBURG - In soccer's worst kept secret, Ajax Cape Town and coach Craig Rosslee officially parted ways this week.
But speculation was already rife about Rosslee's future with sources saying that he had already handed in his resignation to the club two weeks ago, a few days before the team's final Premiership encounters against Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

UPDATE: According to Sky Sports News, Bafana Bafana midfielder Kagiso Dikgacoi stated that he has completed a move to Fulham. He told Football365.co.za,

"Yes it is completed now. I return next week to Fulham ..

OK, now it's time to get behind the boys once again with feeling. Coach Joel Santana has announced the Bafana Bafana team (squad) for the two friendlies in the cold against Norway and Iceland.

Bafana Bafana will take on Norway on Saturday (10 October) in Oslo and then face Iceland three days later on Tuesday (13 October) in Reykjavik.

After South Africa's 1-0 defeat to Norway yesterday it looks even more certain that Brazilian coach Joel Santana will soon be packing his bags and leaving for Rio. But I ask the question; surely the fault doesn't only lie with the coach? These are highly skilled professional players who are letting their country down.

Opinion piece

Saw a cool headline today "Keep the Coach, Fire the Spineless SAFA Board" – well that is perhaps a bit over the top, but didn't the new President Kirsten Nematendani come flying out of the starting blocks, promising to take this soccer crisis in hand?

Get your vuvuzelas out and get ready for one of the best soccer matches you will see this season – Saturday it is time for a Soweto Derby and Kaizer Chiefs say they are ready to take on out of form Orlando Pirates.

Injured Bucs Captain Benson Mhlongo

Benson Mhlongo Injury Setback for the Buccaneers

Orlando Pirates boss Ruud Krol has admitted that the loss of Buccaneers captain, Benson Mhlongo will come as a big blow to his side's Soweto Derby aspirations.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) is gearing for another round of recognising and acknowledging talent. The second Annual SAFA Awards Ceremony will be staged on the 19th of November 2009 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

Vote For Your Favourite Players and Coaches

This year's SAFA Awards 2009 event will include four categories; winners of each will be determined by football supporters via sms through the SABC television and radio stations.

Jogaram emPort Elizabeth, no Nelson Mandella Stadium, as seleções da África do Sul (85º no ranking da FIFA) e a seleção do Japão (40º do ranking da FIFA).
Antes desse jogo, as 2 seleções jogaram:
14-09-2000 - África do Sul 1x2 Japão (Jogos Olímpicos)
Árbitro: Romvaldo Baltazar (Angola)
A torcida sul-africana compareceu em bom número ao estádio de Porto Elizabeth, inaugurado recentemente para a Copa do Mundo.

Jamaica Coach, Tappa Whitmore

Even though the media may be reporting that Jamaica has picked a media strength team for its international friendly against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, this is going to be no walkover for the South African National Team.

According to the Reggaeboyz website, Jamaica coach, Tappa Whitmore said his players had worked hard and well together in training and that this game was an opportunity to show that they can compete with anybody.

Goal-shy 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa flopped again on Tuesday when held 0-0 by Jamaica in a lacklustre friendly. Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have not scored for 385 minutes and the first African nation chosen to stage the international football showpiece ended a 17-match schedule this year with just nine .

Well we know how the Final Draw turned out – terrible for South Africa but here are the groups for the 2010 World Cup, in case anyone doesn't know yet. And the Official Match Schedule.

France and Uruguay are two former World Cup winners and Mexico is known as a very strong team, but South Africa will have to rely on the wide experience of coach Carlos Alberto Parreira and the passion and skill of Bafana Bafana if we want to avoid the humiliation of becoming the first host team in World Cup history to get knocked out in the first round.