Bafana Bafana were not just overwhelmed by the obvious gulf in class between themselves and world champions France in Tuesday's 5-0 drubbing in Lille but, by their admissions after the game, the players were also somewhat star-struck.
Bafana captain Ronwen Williams played a blinder in goal, and his saves kept the scoreline at the packed Stade Pierre-Mauroy in Lille from being higher.
Under Philippe Troussier Bafana did lose 3-0 in the opening game of the France 1998 World Cup against the hosts, who went on to win the tournament, but warriors such as Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe, Phil Masinga and David Nyathi never seemed likely to admit to being autograph hunters. “I mean they're so humble, so nice — very nice people. The things you read about them ... I mean N'Golo Kanté. They were so nice — good to see, and we enjoyed it.”
Williams said Bafana will grow from the experience in Lille, and pointed out that Broos' under-construction Bafana have had a good record against African opposition, including running Ghana close in last year's 2022 World Cup qualifying group stage.
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