Last weekend many PSL players were understandably rusty when the PSL recommenced after the Africa Cup of Nations break.
With over a month out of action, players are regaining their match fitness levels, and even though they would have played training games during Afcon, it's definitely not an ideal way to get ready for competitive football.
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For many players the next two to three weeks could be like pre-season with regard to those who were not participating in the Ivory Coast.
There was some criticism on the standard of a few PSL games when they returned to action, but Stellenbosch FC coach Steve Barker reminds supporters how the Afcon proved South Africa has a high quality league.
Bafana Bafana picked up the bronze medal at Afcon and the vast majority of their players participate in the PSL.
"I just think it shows that our league is a good, strong league. (Mamelodi) Sundowns do well on the continent, they are one of the best, if not the best team on the continent. I think having that many players from Sundowns with the other quality around was a good recipe," Barker said, as reported by SABC Sport.
The Brazilians had also won the African Football League earlier in the season, beating Wydad Casablanca in the final. At times South Africa fielded eight Sundowns players in their starting line-up.
"Well done to the coach and well done to all the players that represented us and hopefully, we can go on and qualify for the (2026) World Cup."
Bafana are expected to challenge group rivals Nigeria for an automatic qualification spot for the World Cup, and play against the Super Eagles in June this year.
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