Sono: Fortune has proved critics wrong

Fortune, for so long the golden boy of South African football, came under criticism from his nation's media after a series of below par performances culminating in the African Cup of Nations.

However, the Manchester United man has proved his doubters wrong with a last minute penalty equaliser in the 2-2 draw with Paraguay and a superb performance in the 1-0 win against Slovenia.

Sono's belief in the player has been a major boost for the young Bafana Bafana star, and the coach is delighted to have been proved right.

"I think he played very well," Sono told the South African Sunday Times.

"Quinton had a bad time in Mali and he got a lot of flak. A lot of people told me not to pick him, they said he would never play well for his country.

"But I said 'no', this is my job to decide. I believe in Quinton. He can't be a bad player if he plays for Manchester United'.

"I had to do what was right for the team, and it didn't matter that people thought I was wrong.

"So I sat down and spoke to Quinton. And I told him the only thing I expect is for him to be part of the team. I don't care if players play for Man United or Barcelona.

"They are all playing for South Africa and they are all one team when they are here. Since then he has been tremendous. He is working his socks off for the team and is improving all the time."