Bafana back in the groove

BBK: Celebrating a victory over Thailand as though we have conquered the world would be tantamount to professional stupidity.

Not that savouring the rarity of a convincing, polished showing by the World Cup host nation should be a punishable crime.

Bafana's 4-0 thumping of the Thais does not mean we are going to make mincemeat of Mexico come June 11.

But it did wonders for the collective national psyche, giving a sceptical nation a much-needed shot in the arm, while the zebra-and-giraffe themed Mbombela stadium said hello to the world in style.

Carlos Alberto Parreira said he was looking for a good performance and a result. His boys scored full marks on both counts. And the fans came to the party with their partisan support to mark a glorious day for all clad in gold and green.

Still, fellas, we are not world-beaters already. A finished article we are not.

As the clock continues ticking towards the 2010 World Cup kick-off, Bafana's performance points to another documentation of progress in their preparation for the biggest battle of the team's existence.

It serves as a loud scream that they are forging forward in their resolve not to gain the dubious honour of being the first host nation to endure early elimination.

It serves as a clarion call to the nation that, with our support behind them, this team can soar to great heights.

Similar support against Mexico, Uruguay and France in their group A first-round encounters will serve as a welcome wind beneath Bafana's wings, some kind of performance-enhancing stimulant.

Parreira is performing reconstructive surgery on our battered image - a bit of Botox here and a little liposuction there. Let us allow him space to do his work.

His work is to seamlessly integrate the overseas-based players into a team that has gained a lot of mileage from the camps in Durban, Brazil and Germany.

His work is to help his Bafana - our Bafana - grasp the magnanimity of the moment that beckons. They will give us more signs in further friendlies against Bulgaria, Colombia and Denmark.

His job is to push Bafana to aspire to inspire before they expire.

If the aspiration is to secure contracts with overseas clubs, this World Cup is a stage on which to sell their wares.

If their inspiration sends the nation into jubilation, we will reward them with our unconditional emotional investment, which is more valuable than any bonus.

And when they expire, they will reach their sell-by-date secure in the knowledge that the nation will always hail them as heroes who defended the sporting honour of South Africa.

We will not be apologetic in our demand that they play every game in the way they applied themselves on Sunday. Not passing backwards and sideways. They must have been shocked out of their senses to discover the wonders of passing forward and going goalwards - it results in goals.

Despite the bonus issue, which remains unresolved, there are signs for cautious optimism, with some positive stories to share.

Siphiwe Tshabalala continues to score and create goals. Steven Pienaar arrives with the Everton "player of the season" tag attached.

Much-maligned skipper Aaron Mokoena's miserable season ended with a magnificent display in the FA Cup loss to Chelsea. Kagisho Dikgacoi's Fulham went all the way to the Europa League final.

While his personal crusade to regain confidence continues, Teko Modise helped Katlego Mphela to regain his killer instinct.

There is the resurrection of Siyabonga Nomvethe, who, at 32, still has the lungs of a 15-year-old.

I want to remain cautiously optimistic that Bafana might well be getting their groove back at the opportune moment.