Mark Fish gives his CHAN diagnosis, prescription

Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish has given his diagnosis and prescription of the African Nations Championship [CHAN].

The 1996 AFCON winner cited eligibility rules on players allowed to participate in CHAN as requiring revision.

Mark Fish spoke to CAF website in his capacity as Technical Study Group member at the ongoing CHAN finals in Algeria.

The former Orlando Pirates centre-back, Mark Fish, says there is a need to restrict CHAN to under-23 players.

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“We could cap the competition at U-23s. It is a topic for football lovers,” he told the CAF website.

“We weren’t relevant at the World Cup, but now we are relevant after Qatar and we can build on it.”

The ex-Lazio star also suggested that all players based in Africa be allowed to represent their national teams at the tournament.

CHAN is exclusive to home-based players.

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“Looking at the format, we can consider players playing on the continent,” he said.

“There is a Cameroonian striker [Marou Souaibou] who has moved to South Africa and he is not eligible to play at the CHAN.”

The former Bolton Wanderers defender and his counterparts are involved in selecting man-of- the matches at the CHAN finals among other roles.

The 1996 AFCON champion described his role as an eye-opener.

“It’s an interesting and a very much enjoyable job,” he said.

“We watch the games and have to pick the best players. At the end, we make the team of the tournament.”

Fish singled out Madagascar and Mozambique as teams that had impressed him at the tournament.

“The Algerian fans have caught my attention. The way they enjoy football and support the teams. The fans’ love for the games are eye-catching,” the former Buccaneer said.

“Mozambique and Madagascar have won games and progressed which speaks volumes, especially Madagascar who are newcomers. I’ve watched Ethiopia and Angola as well. They play good football.”

Fish had a colourful playing career and he was capped 62 times with Bafana.

Meanwhile, Algeria lost in the final against Senegal on Saturday.

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