Former Bafana Bafana midfielder reflects on development of football

SHARPEVILLE.- Former Bafana Bafana and Vaal Professionals dreadlocked midfielder, Augustine “Mthakathi” Makalakalane had a lot to say about the state of Sedibeng and South African football recently.

Sedibeng Ster Sport, tracked down this outspoken coach to find out what he thinks about the standard of football in this region. This includes Bafana Bafana’s recent performance against France in an international friendly match. Makalakalane believes the standard of football has improved in PSL with some clubs now participating in the CAF Champions League.

He believes this shows how much some of the teams have improved, especially the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns. However, Makalakalane had a lot to say about the Bafana Bafana team. He said that Bafana Bafana is not a platform to rebuild but it is all about results unlike at the club level. He reflected back on Bafana Bafana’s game against France and said that Bafana Bafana didn’t look like a national team. He said there was no ‘comradeship’ and commitment among the players. He was also disappointed to see some of the Bafana Bafana players taking “selfies” with France super stars and he believed there was no way they could have won this game because they glorified France‘s players. Makalalaklane plied his trade in Europe before he came back to South Africa to play for Mamelodi Sundowns. He started his football career with Sharpeville Pirates and Vaal Professional before he was spotted by Jomo Sono for Jomo Cosmos.

“There is so much that needs to be corrected in our football especially when it comes to the development of football. The most critical thing is education for all those who are involved with the development of football in this country. Look, the young players are not playing because of the ‘winning at all costs mentality’. France exposed us because these youngsters are not ready to compete at that level. Back here, at home, people don’t know what they are doing because to them football is all about bread and butter. Many coaches are in coaching for bread and butter and not for the improvement of our football. I feel sorry for young players because their coaches are just there for the job and not for their development. If those coaches were there for the development of these players this region could be the most successful. We have two powerhouse institutions (referring to NWU and VUT) that we can utilise for our own benefit to improve our football. We can use those students who study Sports Science at these institutions to help us to improve our football. The problem with our game is that it’s all about winning,” said Makalakalane.

Makalakalane said lack of education is killing the development of football in this region with coaches with no knowledge of coaching, coaching young players.