Overhaul of Safa structure needed
SOUTH Africa always knew they would have their backs to the wall when they travelled to the daunting national stadium in Addis Ababa. Even they probably did not realise how the combination of altitude, heat and home patriotism would affect them.
Coach Gordon Igesund made reference to the role the Ethiopian crowd played when he said on SABC TV before the match that if South Africans were to offer that kind of support, Bafana Bafana would move mountains.
In the end, when the dust had settled, it was the old bugbear of failing to slot goal-scoring chances that cost them. The most crucial skill upon which any team thrives has regularly let South Africa down.
At 1-0 up, Bafana had a chance to bury the Ethiopians, but Siphiwe Tshabalala’s lame one-on-one effort with the goalkeeper failed to find the net.
It has since emerged that South Africa have a chance of sneaking in the back door to the World Cup after Fifa revealed it was investigating Ethiopia for fielding an ineligible player. If Fifa sanctions Ethiopia, Bafana will again have a chance of qualifying for Brazil.
But it is a sad state of affairs when a country like ours, laden with talent, big-money sponsors and infrastructure has to rely on the findings of a Fifa judicial committee to keep our Cup hopes alive.
Safa will now be looking for someone to blame.
Igesund inherited the poison chalice almost a year ago when he replaced caretaker coach Steve Khompela and was charged with reviving South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign. Bafana had, until then, limped to two draws, one at home to Ethiopia and the other away to Botswana.
Safa have made an unbelievable 23 coaching appointments in 21 years. There has been no continuity since Clive Barker’s stint from 1994 to 1997.
Safa’s officials need to take a long look in the mirror and admit that the problem may not necessarily lie with the coach or players. The solution lies within the structure and only once that has been overhauled, will Bafana emerge as a sustainable powerhouse in Africa.