Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Bafana Bafana and Maritzburg United
defender Siyanda Xulu says winning the COSAFA plate final bodes well for
the future of the players involved.
Read: Bafana thrash Botswana to claim COSAFA Plate trophy
Xulu, who enjoyed a superb season for Maritzburg which culminated with him winning the PSL Defender of the Season award, was named skipper for the tournament and performed well.
Despite a defeat on penalties in the cup section to Madagascar, Bafana beat Namibia 4-1 as well as Botswana 3-0 to claim the plate, on Friday.
The competition, which saw coach Stuart Baxter picking inexperienced fringe players, was eventually won by Zimbabwe 4-2 after they saw of Zambia in Sunday's final.
Speaking to SAFA's official website, Xulu said: "I'm very happy for the boys, even though there was the disappointment of not winning the actual cup, but again it was just a matter of pride for the nation.
"And, as the host country, we had to show that we were capable (of winning) even though we were disappointed with our first result against Madagascar.
"The tournament was very important for the young players and us as a team, and I think it's even clear to the coach – it was up to the boys to raise their hands for the (AFCON) games.
"The coach has a bunch of good players, and it's very important that he has a closer look (at the players). I think the guys did well, and they deserve to be called up again."
