While the nation keeps in with celebrations of Banyana Banyana's historic Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) triumph, Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has raised an alarming issue that continues to hinder the growth of football in the continent.
On Tuesday morning, Banyana were met with loud cheers, dance and song upon arrival at a packed OR Tambo International Airport as SA supporters displayed their love for the Queens of Africa.
However, they were subjected to very hostile treatments during final match against the hosts' Morocco with Khumalo stating that playing in Africa continues to be a daunting task.
According to reports, prior to the finale, which Banyana won 2-1, grounds staff at the Stade Prince Moulay: the venue of the final turned on the sprinklers just as Banyana were about to take to the field to begin practicing. This forced Desiree Ellis and her troops to change their plans and move to a different location the following day.
And during the final, Banyana players were targeted by lasers on the field but Khumalo, who won the AFCON title with Bafana more than two decades ago says it was amazing how Banyana took all of this in their stride with their mental strength proving too strong.
"It was like an army going into a war with limited resources, looking at the challenges we had to face. Against all odds, they managed to get it done in a hostile environment where lasers were flashed in their faces throughout the game," said Khumalo in his latest Soccer Laduma column.
"When will Africa wake up and smell the coffee and do things by the book? Why are we always like this? Why do you have to be hostile in your attempt to win? Why treat your opponents like that in your own backyard?
"This doesn't work, and it certainly doesn't benefit anyone, as it was proved on Saturday night. Having said that, when they realised that our Banyana team could play and handle the situation, showing them flames, they started to be arrogant, bulldozing our ladies, attacking the referee, while the coach seemed to be on some Hollywood comedy show on the bench, acting as if there was no tomorrow.
Khumalo added: "Their 12th player made noise in the stadium, drowning out Mama Joy and a few South Africans who were flying our flag high, but even that couldn't silence us. Our attitude was that win or lose, even in a hostile environment with the stadium painted in red, we are fully behind our team and nothing and no one is going to change that.
"We stood firmly behind our ladies and that attitude at the stadium was the same attitude we had in the country and the same attitude that those who are outside of the country also had. We all had Banyana in our hearts and minds."
To read Doc's full column check out this week's edition of Soccer Laduma, edition 1284, available in stores now!
