Bafana Bafana players have gone and done it again — just as the Ephraim ”Shakes” Mashaba saga came to a close last week.
The players in Tunisia started a mini revolt, demanding that their contracts be revisited before their kick-off against Benin on Tuesday. They are demanding an appearance fee for the tournament in case they lose all their matches, resulting in non-payment. Their current contract stipulates that the South African Football Association will only pay them for a draw or a win in the tournament.
It is not the first time the payment issue has come up for discussion at a crucial tournament; the players did the same in the World Cup in their final group stages match against Spain. They called for a review of their contract before kicking the ball against Spain.
It seems that problems in the Bafana Bafana camp just escalate before a tournament. Though this is the only shenanigans we have heard of so far, through the right channels, there are also rumours that some of the players are not happy to be coached by Styles Phumo and are looking to go back to their clubs.
It is said that some players have even told the coach who to field and at which position.
The African Nations Cup will not see many of the stars expected to show up due to some retiring early and others having refused to come. But those players that are there for their nations will be expected to lift the spirit of the tournament, which has significance for many nations.
Egypt and Cameroon are looking to win this coveted trophy for the fourth time. That said, the other important aspect of the Cup is that the four bidding countries for the World Cup in 2010 are looking to use this tournament to boost their profiles.
Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and South Africa will have the whole world looking at them to see if they are capable not only of hosting the World Cup but also of maybe winning it in 2010.
For football supporters all over Africa, it is now time to become couch potatoes while they watch their nations fight it out for the prestigious Cup, while Europe looks to see which youngsters can be signed for the next season.