South African football legend Jomo Sono was the caretaker coach of Bafana Bafana at the 2002 Fifa World Cup.
Before the stable era of Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana experienced a chaotic spell leading up to the 2002 Fifa World Cup in Asia, co-hosted by South Korea and Japan.
Having qualified for their maiden World Cup in 1998 — which cemented a highly successful period under Clive Barker — Bafana arrived at their second consecutive global showpiece showing structural cracks that ultimately led to rapid coaching changes.
Between 1998 and 2002, Bafana underwent three coaching transitions, appointing Trott Moloto, Carlos Queiroz, and Jomo Sono in quick succession. While Moloto finished third at the 2000 Afcon, Queiroz's disappointing quarter-final exit at the 2002 Afcon led to his swift sacking.
Reports suggested Queiroz's departure was entirely results-driven, but others claimed he allegedly clashed with top SAFA officials, leading to the complete severance of ties. Despite a stellar qualifying campaign — in which he finished top of the group with four wins and one draw — the Portuguese mentor did not get to coach the team at the global showpiece itself.
