Bafana Bafana had an impressive run in this year’s AFCON tournament. They went to the tournament as under dogs, surprising many people with their fine performance.
Despite a sloppy start they had in their first game against the eagles of Mali. The South African men’s team suffered a 2-0 loss which needed Mr.Broos and his technical team to go back to the drawing and try to come up with strategies going to the next game. Expectedly so, against the brave warriors of Namibia Bafana Bafana came to the party and showed why they are considered to have one of the best football leagues in Africa.
Their win against Namibia revived hopes of South Africans, it was one of those tactical and physical games as the Namibians have quite a few number of faces which are familiar to our domestic
league like Peter Shalulile and Deon Hotto which were expected to make an impact at that game.
Nobody expected Bafana Bafana to go those lengths in the Africa Cup of Nations as they went as far as reaching the semi-final, where they were held to a 1-1 draw against Nigeria. The Nigerians must have taken their time and studied/analysed the South African’s heroic goalkeeper Ronwen Williams whom showcased his sharp eye in penalties.
Their journey came to end in a glossy way as they played their last 3rd place game against the DR Congo in Abidjan. It was a match void of quality in front of goal as South Africa and the DR Congo played a goalless draw. While the Leopards had the better of the chances, Zam’eyokuza (Ronwen Williams) as
affectionately known, stood strong in for Hugo Broo’s team, saving two penalties to make sure that Bafana Bafana earn their best result since 2000.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe has made significant contributions of African football, both as the owner of Mamelodi Sundowns and now as the president of the confederation of African Football (CAF). His attendance to each and every Bafana Bafana game during AFCON was deemed to have made a significant impact in South African men’s national team. Not only he, Motsepe has his sights in the men’s football, but after him being elected as CAF president he highlighted the importance of growing
women’s football in Africa, with a focus on increasing participation and investment in the women’s game. Also, he acknowledged the need to restore CAF’s image and reputation, following recent controversies and corruption scandals.
AFCON 2024 was the 1st of a kind continental tournament where Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was used, and it was fairly used and won hearts of many Europeans such as Jose Mourinho who is known for his undying love for African talent. On Tuesday, Bafana Bafana head coach announced a 38-member preliminary squad for next month’s 2025 Africa cup of Nations against Uganda and South Sudan. Hugo Broos charges open their account against Uganda at Orlando stadium on 6th September 2024 which brought about a delay to to the resumption of the domestic league now named Betway Premiership. There is quite a noticeable number of players in the names called by the Belgian Gaffer such as the likes of a Dutch-based forward Simon Van Duivenbooden who is playing Vitesse. “I want to play for SA and I will work hard this season to get the attention of the national team coaches”, said Simon in an interview before his name mentioned for the preliminary squad.
By Olothando Mpapama
Twitter: @Molothando_22
