Editor's Column - Clint Roper
There have been some very important games for Bafana Bafana in South Africa's colourful soccer history. Our first game back against Cameroon on the 7th of July, 1992, after being brought back into the fold by FIFA was a significant moment. That game was watched by the entire nation, if not the world, to see exactly where we would slot in on the pecking order of world football. Then there was the final of the AFCON on home soil in 1996 – a win that put us on the map and announced us as a force to be reckoned with on the continent. In 1998 we faced eventual World Cup winners France in the opening game of our first ever World Cup and, while we were hammered 3-0, we showed glimpses of excellence in that game. We also notched up credible draws against a strong Denmark team and a useful Saudi team, which ensured that we were not embarrassed by our showing, even though we bowed out at the first hurdle of the tournament. Then there was the 2002 World Cup game against Spain – a final group game that needed us to get a win or at least a draw and hope for results to go our way in order to sneak into round two for the first time in our history. Despite heroics from Benni McCarthy and Lucas Radebe, Spain were too good and Spanish legend Raul delivered the knockout blow. Again, though, we came out of 2002 with our heads held high. It wasn't until being declared hosts of the World Cup in 2010 that we once again took to the field in the world's greatest tournament and the opening game of the World Cup against Mexico saw the entire country shake and rumble when Siphiwe Tshabalala hit a guided missile from range to light up the African continent. Though we drew the match, the game gave South Africa hope – hope that we could hold our own against the best in the world. We were wrong, and made history as the first hosts of a World Cup not to advance beyond the first round. And since picking up that embarrassing statistic, we have seemingly done everything in our power to undo any good that was realised in the early years by the heroic pioneers that helped us force our way into world football - from embarrassing showings at AFCON tournaments, an inability to qualify for the World Cup, to being dubbed a team that only plays in tournaments that we are asked to host. We have head coach-count that has soared to dizzying heights and has cost astronomical amounts of money – money which could have been put to far better use. There have also been reports of financial problems for the association, despite being handed millions and millions over the years, as well as match-fixing allegations, World Cup scandal allegations and a national men's senior team sliding down the FIFA rankings as if on a greased zip-line. It's not a pretty picture… Which is why, when Bafana take their first step on the road to Russia 2018, there needs to be a realisation from SAFA, the technical team and the players that this World Cup campaign is the most important campaign in which we have ever been involved! With a nation quickly losing hope in a sport we love, and instead turning to rugby and cricket to fill us with pride, Bafana – the custodians of the biggest sport in this country – need to wrestle back the faith of the people, the fans and the sponsors. If they don't, this stumbling giant that is Bafana may well fall and never get up again. It cannot be understated: these games against Angola are vital for the future of South African soccer in this country! A slip-up here and no doubt panic buttons will be pushed in SAFA House, fingers will start being pointed, and before you know it, we will once again be spiralling out of control, with statements being issued to the public from the association that "we are building for the future", that we should "buy into vision 2030" and that "this will take time." As a nation, we have to demand that the time for excuses is over… that the time for visions is over. We've all waited patiently. Now it's time to deliver! Our time is now! Shapa Clint
