Surprise Moriri: Our stealth bomber

26 March 2010 - 01:27 By Carlos Amato
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Surprise Moriri operates by stealth: the elegant Sundowns forward is often barely noticed in a game until he scores. And while some critics bemoan Moriri's less-than-manic work rate, Carlos Alberto Parreira is definitely a fan.

The Bafana coach selected Moriri for the Brazil training camp on the strength of his past exploits for the national team, rather than on recent form. "Honestly, I wasn't playing regularly for Sundowns this season, but the coach selected me because he knows what I can do - and I really appreciate that," says Moriri.

Having fully recovered from a recurrent knee injury, Moriri this week dislodged Thulasizwe Mbuyane from the starting team in Brazil, and is savouring the opportunity to make a late challenge for a World Cup place.

"I'm fit, and I feel that I'm a player now," he says. "And with the kind of hard work we're doing here in Brazil, I think I will reach top form soon. It's just a matter of time and persistence. When the confidence comes back, everything will fall into place."

On Wednesday, Bafana will visit Asuncion to play Paraguay - who were Moriri's last victims in an international clash.

During a 3-0 friendly victory over Paraguay at the Super stadium in 2008, Moriri netted with memorable chest control and an acrobatic volley. "It was a special goal, and I really felt good that day. But that goal is history."

With Katlego Mphela, Benni McCarthy and Bernard Parker all safe bets for World Cup selection, fitness permitting, there is a vacancy for a fourth striker, and Moriri fits the bill.

Parreira knows that Moriri has a wonderful football brain - all he needs is evidence that his body is capable of obeying it.

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