The disappointment could be seen in many soccer lovers’ faces after Bafana Bafana’s disastrous 4-0 loss to Nigeria in the African Nations Cup on Saturday, and the comments came in thick and fast.
The nation did expect a loss against Nigeria during the build-up to the game — but not by such a wide margin.
Bafana, in front of a packed stadium, lacked total commitment and made defensive errors; this could see the team knocked out in the first round of the Nations Cup if they do not pull together against Morocco.
The Lions of Atlas already have six points going into Wednesday game, while Bafana and Nigeria both have three.
In order for the South African national team to win, they would need to beat Morocco by five goals with Morocco not scoring or rely on Benin to beat Nigeria — and this is wishful thinking.
Already the people on the street in South Africa are not giving the national team any hopes or blessings.
The loss reverberated around the country, even in the corridors of Parliament. Minister of Sport Ngconde Balfour was not happy about the loss and neither was the South African Football Association (Safa), which decided to read the team the riot act.
National coach Styles Phumo during comments on Kaya FM was not convincing either that there was any hope left, while his assistant, Roger de Sa, said that youngsters should be introduced for the final game.
Phumo said: ‘We had a heart-to-heart talk with the players about their performance against Nigeria and also brought in motivational speakers to motivate the players for their final game against Morocco.
Those back home on Kaya FM said: ‘Styles Phumo is not to blame for the loss but the football association [Safa].â€
Other commentators said: ‘The whole of the technical staff should be fired [of Bafana Bafana].â€
Reggy Ngcobo, an ardent fan of the game, said: ”I am very disappointed [with] the way we played and it seems like the coach did not have a plan against Nigeria.”
Rinse Sibiya said: ”The football association should cease to exist or a new executive committee should be appointed as no progress will be made on [the] field if the situation stays as it is.”