Realistically, South Africa is a football powerhouse in Africa only on paper. The country has not been able to transform its immense talent pool into results on the pitch. Bafana Bafana is on the verge of qualifying for next year’s African Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup.
Their success in making it to the competition will be a testament to how far the country has grown following their drop into the doldrums of African football.
In the CAF club competitions, South African club sides are representing the country well. Joseph Makhanya believes the form the clubs are in will immensely benefit the senior national team Bafana Bafana.
The CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup has the full complement of all the South African teams making it to the group stages. Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu FC, Orlando Pirates and Marumo Gallants have all managed to pull through despite the challenges faced along the way.
According to Dukuduku, the possibility of another African champion is high and described coach Benni McCarthy as a coach who has proved that his side AmaZulu FC is not a one-season wonder.
Makhanya addressed the media in KZN during the MTN8 trophy tour. He said South Africa had four teams in CAF competitions, and according to him, it is an indication that the country and local coaches are doing something right.
He hopes that another star will be produced by the end of the tournament.
“Coach Benni McCarthy has done well for AmaZulu FC to revive their power of the team in football. Many thought when he took the club to finish second in the DStv Premiership last season it was just a fluke, but with this progress now we can see that he means business.”
Dukuduku opined that the progress of South African club sides would give Bafana Bafana the chance to perform in international competitions.