Sports
Bell Tolls For S’Africa’s Football
South African football
is on a downward slide that will be difficult to arrest if the country does not address its failings across all levels of the sport.
That is the warning coming from experienced and respected voices within the game in South Africa – and the message is also echoed by some of the country’s brightest hopes on the pitch.
South Africa will not be at this year’s World Cup finals in Brazil, whose national team reinforced the inadequacies of the current Bafana Bafana side when they thrashed them 5-0 in a friendly in Johannesburg on 5 March.
That defeat felt like a truer representation of where Gordon Igesund’s team are at the moment, rather than their 1-0 victory over reigning world champions Spain in a friendly in November – a victory that was seemingly no more than an anomaly.
In the last decade there have been no signs of a return to the form that secured South Africa the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, a runners-up finish in 1998 and third place in 2000.
Since then, they reached the quarter-finals only twice – and it was viewed as a massive when disappointment when they went out at that stage as hosts of last year’s edition – and failed to qualify at all in 2010 and 2012.
Add to that a single World Cup finals appearance since 2002 – as hosts in 2010 – and the statistics make for grim reading.
Former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Hans Vonk believes that the underlying reasons run deep.
“Back in 1998 South Africa had a great team but it wasn’t part of a bigger plan,” said Vonk.
“There is a lack of quality coaches in South Africa, so a lot of talented young players fail to be recognised and they don’t have enough guidance to reach top level.
“All in all, the structure is not there. In the top flight, the Premier League, there are good coaches but there is nothing underneath the surface,” added Vonk, who was capped 43 times by South Africa between 1997 and 2005.
“If you compare with Brazil, for instance, they seem to be able to develop good street footballers from favelas but South Africa does not. You have to ask yourself why it isn’t possible for young South Africans to enter into national youth programmes.
“Professional football at the highest level doesn’t guarantee an inflow of youngsters up to the highest level. In South Africa they have tried to import knowledge from abroad but they harbour suspicions against input from foreign coaches.”
It is a view that is shared by former Ajax Cape Town coach Foppe de Haan, who is also worried about the future of the South African Premier League.
“The rejuvenation of the teams in the competition is not there; the average age of players in the Premier Soccer League is really high and clubs tend to make use of old, physically strong footballers in the competition,” he said.
In August 1996 South Africa were 16th in Fifa’s world rankings, they currently sit in 54th place
“While rugby is part of South African schools, football is most often taught by committed teachers with no football background. South Africa Football Association President Danny Jordaan already mentioned a youth league would increase the quality at senior level in the long run, and I can only back this up.
“I’ve tried to teach the players to play modern football instead of classical kick and rush and in the end it paid off, which proves South African footballers do have the capabilities to play modern football.
“If you want to improve the level, you need quality coaches; therefore you need to school them as well.”
The problem with coaching at grass roots level and the fact that the current crop of top-flight players and Bafana Bafana internationals aren’t considered up to the required standard means the situation may well feel bleak to fans in South Africa.
But Ajax and Bafana Bafana midfielder Thulani Serero is optimistic that the talent is coming through and feels it simply needs to be harnessed and nurtured.
“They definitely should create more programs with showcases and tournaments that could be held in schools. I’ve seen players out there that are good enough.”
However, Serero’s attitude towards outside influences, “we don’t need foreign involvement and instead should rely on our own vision and thoughts on football”, appears to back up Vonk’s claim that the football mentality in South Africa is an insular one.
It is an opinion that strikes an odd chord given Serero plays his football in Netherlands, and also when you look at South Africa’s fall from being one of the continent’s heavyweights to the 12th best in Africa, according to Fifa’s rankings for March.
While South Africa’s football philosophy faulters, Serrero and another of South Africa’s brightest talents, Kamohelo Mokotjo, are thriving with Dutch sides.
And PEC Zwolle defensive midfielder Mokotjo, who is currently topping the polls for the Eredivisie Player of the Year award, hinted that the environment in South Africa is not beneficial for players learning their craft.
“Back in the day South African footballers were really humble and knew their tasks. On the pitch you wanted to play for each other; there was cohesion,” said the 22-year-old.
“Now there is no game plan and no vision. All the lines are now working separately from each other.”
Yet Mokotjo is hopeful that attitudes will change and South Africa will find their way back to right path.
“Sticking together is the best remedy for now. We have a new generation of football players and it’s about how you put all the pieces of the puzzle together. That’s going to make a difference,” he said.
It is a puzzle that may take a long time to solve.
Ian Hughes & Pieter Stroink van Eizenga writes for BBC Sport.
Ian Hughes & Pieter Stroink van Eizenga
Ekiti State Government has honoured its contingents for their outstanding performances at the recently concluded National Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) Games held in Abuja.
The state’s contingents participated in six events, securing first place in Essay Writing, second in Debate, Spelling Bee and Girls’ Basketball, third in Boys’ Basketball, fourth in Digital Literacy and Painting, fifth in Environmental and Entrepreneurial activities.
One of the standout moments of the event was the performance of Eniola Awelewa, who excelled in the painting competition despite his physical disability.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State AGILE Project Coordinator, Yewande Adesua, described Eniola’s artwork, titled “It Takes a Village”, as a raw, honest and profound depiction of community and belonging.
She revealed that her painting attracted national attention and earned special recognition from Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who requested that the piece be displayed in her office.
Adesua noted that Eniola’s excellence underscores Ekiti’s commitment to inclusive education, which has earned the state national recognition, emphasizing that “disability is not an inability.”
She also commended Deborah Bello for her exceptional performance in the Essay Writing category, stating that her brilliance and resilience have once again brought honour to the state.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, congratulated the contingents, noting that their resilience and determination has not only brought them personal pride but also elevated the entire state.
Dr. Aderiye, represented by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Michael Omolayo, affirmed government’s commitment to not only infrastructural development but also intellectual growth and talent promotion.
He encouraged the students to continue to be exemplary ambassadors of Ekiti State and a source of inspiration to their peers.
In her remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Education and Social Inclusion, Adetoun Agboola, applauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his investment in modern facilities for special schools, which according to her has empowered students with disabilities to perform beyond expectations.
Agboola, represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Special Education and Social Inclusion in the Governor’s Office, Stephen Abimbola, urged parents of children with disabilities to enrol them in the state’s special facilities, where they can receive proper support and unlock their potential.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of a brand-new wheelchair to Eniola Awelewa to aid his mobility (courtesy of Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa and the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr. Aisha Garba) and the formal handing over of the national award to Deborah Bello.
The Umuahia-based side secured their spot in the CAF second tier club competition after finishing third in the 2024/25 Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) season their highest league placing in history and first opportunity to compete at the continental level.
To make sure they are adequately prepared when the competition kicks off later this year, both players and officials have commenced the first phase of training this week, a top official of the club who wants to remain anonymous said.
CAF is yet to release the preliminary draw, and Abia Warriors’ opponent is still unknown at this time.
Similarly, Rivers United Football Club of Port Harcourt have equally began preparations for the new season, marking a significant step towards building on their impressive performance in the 2024/2025 football season.
Under the guidance of Technical Manager Finidi George, the team held its first full training session on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium’s main bowl, with about 25 players in attendance.
The technical crew and support staff warmly welcomed the players back, charging them to mentally prepare for the challenges ahead.
Finidi George emphasized the importance of readiness, stating, “I welcome you back from the offseason break. Now it’s time to get ourselves ready for the task ahead of time. Welcome back.
”Rivers United’s second-place finish in the NPFL season has secured their spot in the prestigious CAF Champions League. As they gear up for the continental competition, the team is focused on fine-tuning their skills and strategies. Although the CAF draw is yet to be released, Rivers United is diligently preparing for their opponents, whoever they may be.
The first phase of training has commenced, involving both players and officials. With the Nigeria Premier Football League schedule set to kick off in August, Rivers United is poised to deliver an outstanding performance in both the CAF Champions League and the domestic league.
The Nigeria American Football Association (NAFA), led by its President Babajide Akeredolu, last Tuesday paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, as part of preparations for Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming African American football tournaments in Egypt.
The NAFA delegation also held discussions with the NSC Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, during separate meetings held at the NSC office at the National Stadium, Abuja.
Speaking during the engagements, Akeredolu outlined Nigeria’s level of preparedness for the continental event, revealing that three teams would be representing the country: the Male National Team, Female National Team, and the U-13 Team.
He noted that Nigeria would be the only nation apart from the host country fielding multiple teams, a testament to the consistent development efforts invested in the sport since 2019.
Akeredolu emphasised that the country’s expanded representation reflects years of commitment to nurturing American football in Nigeria and showcases the nation’s growing prominence in the African football landscape.
He said, “We are here to inform you about the fact that three teams will be going to Egypt. Male national team, female national team and under-13 which is as a result of the work we have been doing since 2019 in collaboration with Nigeria School Sports Federation. This project has led to over 17,000 kids who have gone through the league initiative over the past five years.”
Akeredolu also assured the NSC management that NAFA is optimistic of victory, adding that the team is eyeing representing Africa in the World Games slated for the United States next year and ultimately clinching a spot at the Olympics.
“We are ready and one of the few countries that have established leagues dotted around. We have leagues in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun. We have built a pipeline for talent.
“We are hoping that we will be the country that will represent Africa in the World game, which is slated for next year in the United States”, he said
Akeredolu explained the significance of the tournament and the Nigerian team’s preparedness for the event in Egypt. He stated: Since flag football became an Olympic sport, there has been a significant effort to establish continental games to improve Africa’s representation on the global stage. The collaboration of our federations has resulted in this notable event.
“All African countries came together to interface with the global body, and now we have our first African tournament”.
The President and his team also unveiled the teams’ jerseys at a separate event, noting to the excitement of the DG and Chairman that they were produced locally. He gave a detailed explanation of the efforts that have been put into place to ensure that the teams emerge victorious.
Akeredolu said, “We came here to unveil our jersey to the DG and tell him that we are fielding three teams for the competition- the main team which has been in camp for two months now, a female team and an U13 team who have been supported by our partners Nigeria American Football Outreach, Browns Nigeria and the NFL respectively.
“We are quite optimistic and we believe that with the support and activities of many leagues in Nigeria, we have a lot of players who can give us a formidable National team
Responding, the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, commended the NAFA leadership while wishing the team all the best in Egypt.
The Chairman charged the team to give their best and represent the country well by showcasing their talents in Flag Football.
On his part, the Director General of the NSC, Hon Bukola Olopade, charged the team to make the country proud and return with flying colours.
Hon. Olopade said, “On this trip to Egypt, I wish you guys well, and I am more encouraged that you guys are very confident that our women’s team will win Gold. I am also very fascinated that you are taking U13 to this tournament. It’s in line with the Commission’s renewed hope to also start building for the future.”
Meanwhile, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Hon. Ayo Olawande who doubles as the Chairman of the Flag Football Development Board in his goodwill message, urged the NAFA team to bring home the trophy.
He expressed his unshaken confidence in NAFA’s ability to break ground and make an impressive performance at the tournament.
On the NAFA team entourage were; the Vice President, Mr. Seye Obatolu and the coordinator of NAFA Gridiron Gems, Ms Nancy Damhindi.