Jamaica are very strong physically
Africa's footballer of the year in 1991, 1992 and 1993 is in South Africa as an ambassador for next year's Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Angola.
He told The Times that South Africa need not be worried about the national team, especially ahead of tonight's friendly international against Jamaica in Bloemfontein.
His words were in stark contrast to those of Bafana coach Carlos Alberto Parreira, who told reporters in Bloemfontein yesterday that he was concerned about the team's form.
Parreira said the side was in dire need of better spirit and happiness after a run of poor results over the last 18 months. He hoped that would begin tonight.
"Jamaica are very strong physically and they are also athletic," said Pele.
"They play different football from that to which we are accustomed. They play long balls as well.
"But they shouldn't be a problem for Bafana," he said.
Jamaica are ranked 69th by Fifa but Bafana are 85th, their lowest ranking since 1993.
Pele said Bafana had ample time to improve before the World Cup kicks off in June.
"They have six or seven months. Let's hope they will be transformed in time to stand the pressure."
Pele said he was convinced all of Africa wanted Bafana to improve by next year.
It would bring great "jubilation" if South Africa, along with the other five African qualifiers, were able to progress [beyond the first round of the World Cup].
Jamaica have come to South Africa without two of their England-based players, skipper Ricardo Gardner of Bolton Wanderers and Ricardo Fuller of Stoke City.
They will also be without most of the regulars who play in Major League Soccer in the US and are involved in the MLS play-offs. Only Chivas US defender Shavar Thomas of the American group is in the squad.
Billy Cooper reports from Bloemfontein that Parreira will make two changes to his starting line-up for tonight's match.
Orlando Pirates' defender Lucas Thwala will replace Tsepo Masilela at left-back, and Rowen Fernandez takes Moeneeb Josephs's place in goal.
Masilela is injured and the coach said he needed to "have a look" at Fernandez.
Parreira defended his predecessor, Joel Santana, saying he regarded his compatriot as a top coach.
"But he got off on the wrong foot in South Africa, when he was called Mr Nobody," said Parreira.
"Also, there was no chemistry between Santana and Bafana. People started expecting Bafana to lose every game. That is something that needs to end."
Loading...
beezlebum