Former Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune says he will do just about anything to help change Bafana Bafana’s fortunes.
The former Bafana star, who was attending the Laureus Sports Awards in Malaysia on Wednesday, March 26 t, said he had become frustrated with the poor form of the national team.
“I’m ready to help wherever I can,” Fortune said.
“I was in South Africa last month and I heard that Lucas Radebe will be involved with the national team. I think that’s wonderful. I’m in the process of getting my coaching badges, and if Safa call me to assist wherever I can, I would be more than happy.”
Fortune, who would be attending the Laureus Awards for the first time, said he was extremely disappointed Bafana did not make it to the World Cup in Brazil.
“You would think that because we hosted the World Cup in 2010 that we would be working hard to qualify for Brazil. It’s so heartbreaking to see that Bafana won’t be representing us in south America.
“It hurts very much as a former South African footballer when I see our national rugby and cricket teams doing well, but our soccer team failing. Things need to change, and quickly.”
Fortune jokingly said he was even ready to put his boots back on and play for Bafana if it would help them. “I’m pretty sure I can manage 90 minutes then and again,” he laughed.
Fortune said he had spoken to Safa president Danny Jordaan and offered his help.
He said he was extremely proud to be a part of Laureus. The ex-Manchester United star took part in an all-star Laureus unity game on Monday and played alongside football legends such as Real Madrid and Liverpool star Steve McManaman, former Madrid midfielder Michel Salgado, Dutch legend Ronald de Boer, Denmark’s Michael Laudrup, Finland’s Jari Litmanen and many others.
“It’s an honour to be a part of the Laureus Sports Foundation,” said Fortune
, who played for Manchester United for six years. He believes his former team will bounce back after a horrible past few months.