*All times CAT (GMT+2)

Football | Afcon

Brian Baloyi © Backpagepix

No favourites for Afcon - Baloyi



No team should be considered favourites for next year's Africa Cup of Nations, according to former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Brian Baloyi.

"It is all about momentum and if any side can get a win in their first game, then anything is possible," Baloyi said on Wednesday.

"That lifts the players, the technical staff and the fans."

Baloyi said there had been surprise packages in most editions of the continental tournament, including 2012 champions Zambia, and he believed the 2013 showpiece would be no different.

"In just about every Africa Cup of Nations tournament of the last 20 years there have been more fancied sides going out in the first round, so anything is possible," he said.

"Not many would have picked Zambia to get out of their group, let alone win the trophy."

Baloyi was set to continue an initiative between the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and Standard Bank, with fellow former Bafana player Neil Tovey, which will take the tournament trophy to Port Elizabeth this weekend on an ongoing tour to the five host cities.

Baloyi hoped the tournament would build on where the 2010 Fifa World Cup left off in showcasing the country as a host nation for major international sports events.

"The eyes of the continent will turn to South Africa in January next year and we want to show them what fantastic hosts we are and what a great footballing country this is.

"That is why we want to create a positive vibe among South African fans and really help them get behind the tournament."

Shop

Gerrard: My Autobiography
Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team.
R118.00
Red: My autobiography
No player has been more synonymous with the glory years of Manchester United Football Club over the past two decades than right-back Gary Neville.
R195.00
The Professor: Arsene Wenger
Idealistic, passionate and scientific, Arsene Wenger led the modernisation of English football
R138.00
FIFA 13
All-new Attacking Intelligence infuses players with the most sophisticated artificial intelligence ever achieved
R564.95


Comments

More expert analysis and opinion from Sport24
The opinions expressed by Sport24 experts and bloggers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily represent those of SuperSport

Live Video Streaming

Thu, 23 May @ 09:55
Thu, 23 May @ 11:00
Thu, 23 May @ 11:30
Thu, 23 May @ 13:55

Sports Talk



Neil Tovey
Why Baxter’s way has worked
When Kaizer Chiefs first announced the appointment of Stuart Baxter, the decision was met with a...

Dr Errol Sweeney
Why are referees explaining their decisions?
Match officials make mistakes because they are like you and me - human. However, in modern...

John Dykes
A day for sentiment, stats and hard cash
The title may have been won weeks ago and the relegation issues settled seven days back but there...

Emeka Enyadike
Beckham, most popular football star
Is David Beckham the most famous football player ever? I tweeted from my @EmekaEnyadike handle and...

Segun Odegbami
Dortmund may surprise favourites
I cannot disguise my interest in Barcelona. I never hide my love for their style of play that is...

Calvin Emeka Onwuka
Not this time Arsenal
The league title is with Robin van Persie and his Manchester United teammates. Man City have...