South Africa rises as Zimbabwe is confused as ever

South African football has been on ascendence since the departure of respected and highly paid Brazilian coaches. The South Americans would normally get the credit for the foundation they laid. For a change, I will not do that. Pisto Mosimane is the man. Foreign coaches were almost derailing the pride of the nation and I am convinced that even the 2010 FIFA World Cup would have looked different under Mosimane.
 
In the African Nations Cup qualifier against record title holders, Egypt, striker Katlego Mphela killed off the match virtually with the last kick of the match, securing that famous 1-0 win. As usual with South African media, the next morning they wanted the world to know that 'Killer' was arrested for drunked driving. Such lack of news has made the world to believe Africa is a jungle. 
 
Back to football. The injury time strike means at the halfway stage of the campaign, South Africa, have seven points from three games. Egypt are 6 points behind and have a chance to revenge in June as they bid to qualify for 2012 Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Bafana Bafana are best placed to reach finals they failed to qualify for in the year they hosted the World Cup.

On the other hand, neighbours, Zimbabwe, who supply the best personnel to the South African ABSA Premier League, are struggling with their qualifiers as they stumbled against Mali. Zimbabwe bundled the securing of Namibian coach, Tom Saintefeit to replace the inexperienced and under qualified Norman Mapeza. Madinda Ndlovu took the reigns in an acting capacity before the Warriors turned back on their vomit expecting miracles. This came after they tried to lure former coach, a successful young man who took the team to its second appearance of the tourney, Charles Mhlauri, but failed.
 
It is still early days but the principles of operation are quiet reversed. The result left the Warriors in 3rd position in Group A with 2 points from 3 matches. They trail leaders, unknown Cape Verde by 5 points. Verde beat Liberia 4-2 on Saturday. Zimbabwe had over 66 minutes to right the result but wasted the chance. Zimbabwe drew their first two matches against Liberia and Cape Verde, making it hard for themselves as matches run dry.
 
South Africa woke up and smelt the coffee. Things are working out for them, while Zimbabwe slumber and wet the blankets. Geography sometimes has nothing to do with anything.