Solution: SA needs more players in Europe

IT’S been over two decades since Bafana Bafana earned their place at the biggest spectacle in sport, the Fifa World Cup, in France in 1998.

The names of all those who formed part of that triumph are etched in the hearts of all who witnessed it.

Twenty-four years on and the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) is in full swing (even being broadcast in the UK for the first time), but the Bafana squad of 2022 form part of the watching contingent, which will be repeated when the next World Cup kicks off in Qatar in November.

Bafana’s Afcon 1996 triumph and participation in the 1998 World Cup were historical milestones for South African football.

However, they have matured into overcast burdens on today’s national team stars – a burden seemingly too heavy to carry.

The hopeful smiles of South African football fans have been ousted by continuous anxiety of when our flag will be regally flown with pride once more.

The most successful period in the nation’s history featured the perfect balance of the best local riches in talent with the experience and slightly advanced science induced performance of Europe based players.

The leadership of then Kaizer Chiefs captain Neil Tovey, supplemented by Leeds United’s Lucas Radebe in defence, is just one of such partnerships.

In an age when Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs are able to table lucrative financial deals for some of the country’s brightest sparks, it comes as no surprise that a move abroad isn’t snapped up by youngsters today.

The importance of plying your trade in the best leagues in the world has always come at a risk if one considers the level of competition and distance between players and their families – a risk many now feel could be avoided with the relevant financial security provided by the ‘Big Three’.

The domino effect this has on the standards set at national team level cannot be stressed enough.

The level of tactical awareness and technical application, coupled with the introduction of a far more advanced level of technology and nutrition, deems Europe the breathing ground for the average future football talent.

And if the bulk of Bafana’s core selections are set at local standards, we are a long way from re-establishing ourselves as a powerhouse on the African continent.

Comoros, an island of about 800 000 people, recently dismantled a great powerhouse in the Afcon showpiece, and 90% of those donning the green of the islanders are based in a variety of lower leagues in France.

Although not as strong (far from it, actually), Les Coelacantes were able to go toe-to-toe with Ghana, one of the most richly blessed nations on the continent in terms of talent – a feat I’m certain Bafana coach Hugo Broos would appreciate as he looks to qualify for the 2023 Afcon.

The recent departure to the US of Bongokuhle Hlongwane, as well as Teboho Mokoena’s links with clubs in Belgium, provide great hope for the nation, but the real triumph would be for these players to cement their positions in Europe for about 10 years and provide the national team with a core worthy to take on the strongest on the continent.