Football Legend Samuel Eto’o Surprised by Bafana Bafana’s AFCON Struggles
African football legend Samuel Eto’o has raised eyebrows over South Africa’s consistent underperformance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Voicing his confusion during a visit to South Africa, Samuel Eto’o expressed his confusion about the country’s strong domestic league and the national team’s struggles on the continental stage.
What Samuel Eto’o had to say
“I am baffled as to why Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have constantly underperformed at the Cup of Nations,” said Samuel Eto’o.
He urged football officials to strategize and elevate Bafana Bafana to a higher level, considering the strength of the national league.
Samuel Eto’o is surprised by Bafana’s poor performances in AFCON.
Samuel Eto’o, a two-time AFCON winner with Cameroon and the competition’s all-time leading scorer, emphasized the potential for South Africa to become the best national team in Africa.
South Africa, once hailed as a potential African football powerhouse after winning the 1996 final, has experienced a prolonged period of underwhelming performances.
After initial success as hosts and finishing in the top three in their early appearances, Bafana Bafana has struggled in recent years.
Failures to qualify for multiple editions and a lackluster performance in subsequent tournaments have raised concerns.
Former Bafana Bafana star Benni McCarthy, now part of the coaching staff at Manchester United, attributed the decline to a lack of desire among players.
McCarthy highlighted a shift in players’ priorities, noting a diminished hunger to join European clubs and battle the challenges associated with playing abroad.
He emphasized the current generation’s contentment with staying at home, earning good salaries, and enjoying social popularity.
McCarthy would say:
“They lack the hunger to join a European club, battle the cold weather and fight for a starting place,”
“Unlike a few decades ago when every South African footballer craved a transfer to Europe, the current group are happy to stay at home, earn good salaries and be socially popular.
“I coached two top-flight South African clubs and often got the impression that mobile phones were seen as a more important asset than a football.”
Benni McCarthy has given his opinion on Bafana’s performances
England-born Stuart Baxter, who has coached Kaizer Chiefs, echoed McCarthy’s sentiments.
He noted a significant change in the attitude of South African players, emphasizing the temptations of lucrative salaries and local popularity over the pursuit of European opportunities.
Baxter would say:
“When I first came to South Africa (2005) footballers were chomping at the bit to go overseas. Not any more.
“There is a lot of money now thanks to TV rights and sponsorships. Some players are earning huge salaries.
“The attitude of many seems to be why bother going to Europe when I am adored here, can drive an expensive car and have lots of admirers.”
Baxter has a similar opinion to McCarthy.
The availability of substantial TV rights and sponsorships, coupled with the comforts of staying home, has contributed to a shift in player priorities.
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