If there was ever a perfect time for South Africa to reach the Round of 16 and stand among the world’s best footballing nations, it was this World Cup.
Playing against Canada felt like a gift. They’re a decent team, but I expected much more from them. Football isn’t even their biggest sport—ice hockey is.
Yet these are the people who eliminated us.
Maybe it’s time for South Africa to have an honest conversation with itself.
We are a nation that has lived and breathed football for generations, yet many of our greatest achievements are decades behind us.
The rest of the football world doesn’t really rate us anymore. When last did we have a South African player in a UEFA Champions League final?
The painful part is that we all know this country has talent. We see it every December in township and community holiday tournaments. The raw ability is there.
So why does that talent so rarely translate into sustained success at the highest level? Is it coaching? Development structures? Administration? Facilities? Mentality? Opportunities abroad?
At some point, we have to stop saying, “We have talent,” and start asking why that talent isn’t consistently producing world-class players and teams.
Based on how we played at our first ever World Cup .by now we should be a nation that makes it a habit to qualify for the round of 16 at the World Cup . A Respected footballing nation .
A few shows ago we asked who actually buys goalkeeper jerseys… Joe said, "Usually the fat kids.”
Then Roy shows up, looks at his stomach, and says, “I was a keeper.”
Sometimes comedy writes itself. 😂⚽
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
A splendid game comes to an end at Hagley Oval as #TheProteas claim victory by 33 runs. 🇿🇦👏
The tour of New Zealand wraps up with #TheProteas sealing a 3-2 T20I series triumph! 🫡🏏
📸: @PhotosportNZ#Unbreakable
🚨 MATCH RESULT 🚨
An extraordinary game of cricket comes to an end in Wellington as #TheProteas secure a thrilling 19-run victory! 🇿🇦😎
Incredible scenes as the five-match T20I series is level at 2-2, with the decider set for March 25th. 💥🏏
📸: @PhotosportNZ#Unbreakable