Lessons Bafana Bafana can take at the 2022 World Cup

Former Bafana Bafana defender Andrew Rabutla believes South Africa should take a leaf at how other African countries have performed at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

Bafana Bafana has failed to qualify for the biggest football since 2002. They were able to participate in the 2010 edition by virtue of being the host nation. 

Rabutla, who was part of the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) runners-up team says there is a sense of unity within the African nations, something that’s foreign in South Africa. 

The African countries at the global showpiece in Qatar are Ghana, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia and Cameroon.

ANDREW RABUTLA’S VIEWS

“Look at the five African countries at the World Cup, they are United,” he told FARPost. 

“They play as a team and are well organized starting from the FAs. They love their country but here we don’t take Bafana Bafana seriously and it’s so painful.

“Look at how the Brazilians are also there supporting their players. 

“We also don’t have enough young players breaking into the national team setup. If you check these days football is played by youngsters. We are scared to play an under 17 player who can in the highest level,” added Rabutla.

“I don’t know why, but there are players who are ready to do the job. Maybe it’s also because at club level the big teams are scared to play these youngsters. Look at Ghana, they are introducing youngsters and they are playing at the highest level.”

BAFANA BAFANA’S WEAKNESSES

Meanwhile, former Kaizer Chiefs forward Sydney Moshikaro also concurs with Rabutla and believes inconsistency is our downfall.

“The only thing that kills us so inconsistency in terms of selecting players for the national team. These days getting a cap is easy in South Africa,” he said.

“Other countries have been having the same players for the past three or four years or even more. 

“But here you win Man of the Match twice then you are selected. There should be consistency in selecting Bafana Bafana. That is one of the main issues,” concluded Moshikaro. 

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