FRANCE 98 – News Flash Template

Marseille, 4 December 1997

Pressure on France, says South African Coach

(AFP) Coach Clive Barker clapped and smiled here on Thursday night after South Africa were paired with France, Saudi Arabia and Denmark in Group C of the 1998 World Cup. The African Nations Cup holders will make their first appearance at the finals against hosts France, one of the favourites to win the quadrennial tournament.

South Africa lost 2-1 to France on a rain-drenched Lens pitch in October with Ibrahim Ba bringing victory to the Tricolors with a goal just seven minutes before the final whistle. “We faced France without defender Mark Fish and midfielder Doctor Khumalo and lost to a late goal. This time we can hold them on their own ground,” Barker told state television.

“The pressure will be on them as World Cup hosts. France will be expected to win comfortably before their own supporters and I do not envy coach Aime Jacquet.”

Barker conceded that France were favourites to top Group C and believed the match against Denmark would determine who accompanied the hosts into the knockout phase.

“I fancy our chances against Saudi Arabia,” said the coach who took charge of Bafana Bafana (The Boys) three years ago and guided them to the 1996 African title and World Cup qualification.

Captain Lucas Radebe echoed the words of Barker. Speaking from Leeds in England, he said it was a great draw for South Africa and the match with Denamrk would be crucial.

South Africa were scheduled to complete their World Cup preparations with a friendly in Copenhagen on June 3, but the match seems likely to be cancelled.

Barker, whose 15,000 dollar-a-month salary makes him the highest paid coach in Africa, believes the World Cup winners will come from holders Brazil, France, Germany and Italy.