SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa did not automatically qualify for the Olympics, finishing second to Cameroon in their African qualifying group and beating New Zealand to get a spot. If players like Benni McCarthy play South Africa will be an attacking force. Here is some information about their better players:
Name : Delron Buckley
Position : Midfielder
Date of birth : 7/12/77
Team : Bochum (Germany)
Notes : Made his international debut Vs Zambia on 20/5/98 just before the World Cup. After this he made the World Cup squad.
Name : Quinton Fortune
Position : Midfielder
Date of birth : 21/5/77
Team : Manchester United (England)
Notes : Left South Africa at 14 joining Tottenham. Soon moved onto Atletico Madrid. Made his South Africa debut against Kenya in September 1996. Was then largely ignored until African Nations Cup 1998 where he helped South Africa make the final. Played at World Cup 1998. Moved to Manchester United for £1.5m in 1999. Also was at African Nations Cup 2000.
Name : Benedict McCarthy
Position : Forward
Date of birth : 12/11/77
Team : Celta Vigo (Spain)
Notes : Was discovered at Seven Stars club and was quickly moved into South African U/20 team. Played well at African U/20 Championships and the World Youth Cup in 1997 earning a move to Ajax Amsterdam. Was Player of Tournament at the 1998 African Nations Cup, helping South Africa to the final, and finishing equal top goalscorer with Hossam Hassan with seven goals. Played at World Cup 1998. Moved to Celta Vigo in 1999.
Name : Siyabonga Nomvete
Position : Forward
Date of birth : 2/12/77
Team : Kaiser Chiefs (South Africa)
Notes : In a year moved from being a struggle to make the first team at his club, one of the most popular in the country, to being a part of the national team. Made a good performance in the African Nations Cup 2000, scoring two goals and sparking rumours of a move to Europe
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