South African under-23 assistant coach Zipho Dlangalala says he is confident that the current crop of young players in the country can help restore her lost glory.
As it stands, the likes of Goodman Mosele, Thabiso Monyane, Leletu Skelem, Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Njabulo Blom are already earning positive reviews and look like they could usher in a new era of top stars for Bafana Bafana.
Reflecting on the current decline of football in the country, Dlangalala says the decline of national teams is normal and did cite the example of the Netherlands.
“What we need to understand is that in football there are times where national teams do well and times where things are not going well, when things are not going well it may seems like it won’t we be better,” Dlangalala said to the media.
“Let me make example with Netherlands, they came here in 2010 for the World Cup and were in the final, again in Brazil they did well in 2014 but in Russia they were not there, which shows that in football these things happen.”
With head David Notoane announcing a preliminary under-23 squad, the former Orlando Pirates coach is confident that the current crop of players can help restore the fortunes of Bafana Bafana.
“We have so much talent in the under-23 (squad) and we know that in football there’s always pressure, but I can tell you that we have a quality bunch of players that gives me hope that we will overcome this period.
“It’s the first time that South Africa has a generation of players that has competed in all levels of world competition. These boys played in under-17 and under-20 world cups. This generation will transform Bafana Bafana.
“We have bright football future as South Africa. We are positive with these players we have, as we prepare for the Olympics,” he added.
Following the dismissal of Molefi Ntseki, there is a huge burden on the next Bafana Bafana manager to deliver positive results. Asides results on the pitch, the manager would also be expected to find out and nurture the already existing young talents that are making waves in the country.