via www.mtnfootball.com

One of the things that this upcoming World Cup in Africa provides; is a look at one of the most unique nations on that continent and for some geographers one of the most unique in the world. South Africa is an ethnic melting pot of culture, language, heritage, and race that spans back over 180 years. So it is no surprise that the "Rainbow Nation" as colloquially referred to by major media outlets is ready to host the World Cup. But, there is a problem and not one that can be fixed by worker negotiations or police presence. This problem could be a cancer for the 40+ million nation; one that could be an issue far after the Copa Mundial. And that is just how bad Bafana, Bafana (Boys, Boys) is as a team.

The SAFA and the world media regarding to how bad this team is are asking a lot of questions. Only one team is ranked anywhere near South Africa in the FIFA world rankings and that is Rugby mad New Zealand who also happen to be the first nation to qualify for the final without ever playing a nation or over 1 million inhabitants. (For you fact nerds the largest they did play was Bahrain with a population of 550,000, or about the amount Rhode Island has.) And then their are names being thrown around like they are gold chips found in a abonded California mine, names like Matthew Booth and Bernard Parker. But the main question is their any chance to advance into the next round? I think simply the answer to that question is a slim but possible 2%.

Okay I get it, home field and altitude are two important tangibles but we are forgetting one more, Khune. The young SA net minder had a tremendious Confederations Cup only allowing 6 goals (One against Brazil on a Danny Alvez freebie) with a backline that minus the aforementioned Booth is not a spectacular showing at all. He in a lot of ways could be the next BIG Bafana over in Europe and surely has drawn comparsions to Richard Kingston of Ghana and Wigan fame, and of course Kamini of Cameroon glory.

The other rising star to watch out for is Siphiwe Tshabalala. Another Kaiser Chiefs product like Khune, Tshabalala is a great winger who has pace and some gifted feet that will make you ask yourself does he do ballroom dancing professionally. Both could be the "unknowns" who take Bafana to the next round (God willing) with Khune the number 1 in most ZA journalists eyes and Siphiwe being the second half sub to change the game. (He did well when the US played at Ellis Park in '08)

This hopefully will keep the run of no host going out in the first round alive for atleast another two WC's after 2010 (Brazil and European host will surely get through) but it will be an interesting test for sure. With Mexico, France, and Uruguay there is hope, but only 2% hope.