FRANCE 98 – South Africa – Mark Fish: “The French tend to be a bit too out for themselves”

South Africa – Mark Fish: “The French tend to be a bit too out for themselves”

10.06.98 11h35 CET

News from Vichy on Monday 8 June 1998

Alfred PHIRI (8)

” Despite a very tiring journey, we feel relatively calm. I’m feeling fine. I think that if the players continue to work as a team anything can happen. We have no particular worries about the match against France, as good as they are. The French have given us a very warm welcome, we are very touched by the number of people who have come to see us and to encourage us in our training.

Mark FISH (5) :

” The French team is very tough and includes some excellent players such as ZIDANE and DJORKAEFF. Also, it has a great chance of reaching the Cup finals. Despite everything, we have no special worries as unlike for France, our lack of experience in this type of competition could be an advantage. Our team is united and we rely on each other, we have a team spirit. The French tend to be a bit too out for themselves.”

Lebongang MORULA (18)

” We are not yet ready to predict who is going to be the finalists. We are going to do the utmost to be an honour to our country, which for the first time has qualified for the World Cup. Also, we are going to play for Nelson Mandela and we hope to give Philippe TROUSSIER, our French trainer, immense satisfaction”.