Bwahahaha... Tovey smoking what!!!

Johannesburg - Africa Cup of Nations-winning captain Neil Tovey believes South Africa can use home advantage to conquer the continent again in the 2013 tournament.

Bafana Bafana (The Boys) are ranked only 19 in Africa and owe a place among the top seeds to being hosts of the three-week championship that kicks off on January 19 at the 90 000-seat Soccer City stadium in Soweto.

But the man who led his country to glory when they hosted the 1996 Africa Cup says getting off to a good start is much more important than where a team stands on the monthly Confederation of African Football (CAF) rankings.

Debutants South Africa walloped Cameroon 3-0 in the tournament opener 16 years ago and Tovey said it was a huge boost for a side that went on to defeat Tunisia 2-0 in a final watched by then-president Nelson Mandela.

"Outplaying Cameroon set the tone for the tournament and gave us breathing space because we were in a difficult group with Angola and Egypt," he said ahead of the first round draw on Wednesday in Durban.

"Getting those three points in the opening match meant we had an escape route if things went wrong in another group game. Luckily, we also beat the Angolans and qualified before losing to the Egyptians.

"Playing at home can be a tremendous advantage and everyone rallied behind the team 16 years ago, driving us on to some great victories and the trophy," recalled Tovey. "South Africa could go all the way again."

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That's nearly as bad as saying England will win the WC in Brazil...

I will always remember that final and the joy I felt when the final whistle was blown. Sadly that was 16yrs ago and the Phil Masinga's and Neil Tovey of the game don't exist anymore in SA Football. Mentality need to change in order for them win Cup of even qualify in their group.

I don't think they can win it, but could upset a few of the more fancied teams - some positive results lately and I think credit must go to the new coach (tu)