Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has called the standoff between Banyana Banyana players and SAFA a disgrace, adding he fought hard for the success of football in the country to be recognised globally.
Banyana’s World Cup-bound squad refused to play their farewell friendly against Botswana at Tsakane Stadium on Sunday due to the pitch not in the World Cup standard and bonuses issues.
It is a pitch even the Premier Soccer League, SAFA’s professional wing, has deemed not fit to play matches.
As the World Cup-bound squad refused to play, SAFA quickly replaced them by sending a hastily-arranged team made up of players from clubs in the Hollywood Bets Super League and SASOL league in Gauteng to honour the game.
This second string team was run rugged by the Botswana team in the first half, with the neighbouring country scoring four goals and Banyana coach Desiree Ellis cutting a forlorn figure on the bench, hardly barking any instructions.
Khumalo, as the analyst for SABC Sport, did not hold back as he has been very critical of the hierarchy at SAFA for some time.
“They (Botswana) really wanted this game,” reacted Khumalo, who was the darling in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations winning squad, during half-time.
“To them they want to play, they are looking at this team as Banyana and they are showing professionalism. Have you ever seen coach Desiree approaching the line to give instructions? No. This is something not right.
“Let’s tell the truth about our football, this is not the true reflection of what we are supposed to be seeing as South Africans and unfortunately it is out there.”
As a sign of solidarity, Khumalo said these players should have not accepted the last minute call to play this match.
“Why are you going to play when people are fighting? This is a disgrace,” continued Khumalo.
“Why are they honouring the game when they know they are not ready to play because you can tell they are still being developed.
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“Your seniors are fighting for this [payment issues] and you are saying ‘you crazy, we are going to play?’
“They deserve it [to be losing 4-0]. Who chose them?
“What I’m looking at is a shame and disgrace, because I did so much to make this flag to be recognised in the world and people come and do this?
“What are we doing there? This is not all about Banyana because even Bafana is reflected badly here.
“The truth needs to be told. Why do they honour this game? They can’t play, they can’t. They are exposed.”
The World Cup-bound squad travelled to watch the game but they were initially not allowed to enter the stand to watch the match, which led to another commotion though they were eventually allowed in.
