A match full of history
When Bafana Bafana trot out onto the field at the National Stadium in Addis Ababa on Sunday, for a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifier, they will be up against a country rich in football history.
"This is a match full of history because both Ethiopia and South Africa were part of the four countries that formed the African Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament," SA Football Association (Safa) president Kirsten Nematandani said on Friday.
"We were expelled from international football due to apartheid and never got to play in the inaugural tournament. We are also mindful of the fact that Ethiopia are yet to qualify for the World Cup and as a result this match will have an added significance."
Ethiopia was one of the founding members of Afcon, having played their first international match in 1947 against the then French Somaliland.
The East Africans also took part in the inaugural continental tournament in 1957 in Sudan, featuring only three teams -- the hosts, Egypt and Ethiopia.
It was meant to be a four-nation event, with South Africa due to play Ethiopia in the semi-final, but the South Africans were disqualified owing to apartheid policies prevailing in the country at the time.
Ethiopia had a bye and went on to play Egypt in the final, losing 4-0.
Since then, the tournament has expanded to a 16-nation African showpiece.
Despite playing a crucial role in the formation of Afcon, Ethiopia have yet to qualify for a World Cup.
Since readmission to international football in 1992, South Africa have participated in several Afcon competitions, winning as hosts in 1996.
Bafana have also appeared in three World Cups since then.
Nematandani believed the experience of playing such prestigious tournaments would stand Bafana in good stead in their quest for another World Cup appearance.
"We know Ethiopia are playing at home but we have strong focus and the determination to do well. Bafana Bafana is not about individuals but team work -- and only teams win championships," he said.
"In the current squad, we have players who were part of the last World Cup in 2010, so for them to play in successive World Cups will be a major feat in their lifetime."
(File Photo: Gallo Images)
-Sapa