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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates Technical Director for Youth Football, Augusto
Palacios, has queried the attitude of African players at the World Cup.
The Peru-born Palacios, a former Bafana Bafana coach, says he has been impressed with the attitudes of the South American teams at the World Cup in Brazil.
"In South America when you play for the National team, it is a honour for you and your family, and the players understand that very well; it is all about protecting and playing for your surname," he told the Pirates website.
"I come from that part of the World and I know how it is like when you are called to the National team.
"Apart from Argentina and Brazil, the other South American countries have very little population and are very small in size.
"They do not have all the resources the other countries have, so for them, when they get an opportunity to thrive in (the World Cup) such occasions, they go all out," Palacios added.
In contrast, the well-travelled 62-year old has questioned the temperament of some of the African players currently taking part in the World Cup.
"I think it boils down to lack of discipline and desire to win; I mean, for a player like Alex Song to do what he did to his country, is unacceptable," he said.
"That was a crucial match (against Croatia) and they had to win. I do not think Song would have assaulted a player if he was playing for Barcelona. You cannot disrespect your country, the viewers and yourself just like that.
"The big difference between African Players and South American players is that in South America, the players know that they make their names in the National Team. Look at the goalkeeper of Mexico; he is one of the most sought after players right now because of what he did against Brazil.
"He does not even have a team but he knew he had to fight for his country and now he will reap big benefits. Players must understand that when you go to big tournaments with the national team you are representing your country and the name of your family. You cannot mess up."
The Peru-born Palacios, a former Bafana Bafana coach, says he has been impressed with the attitudes of the South American teams at the World Cup in Brazil.
"In South America when you play for the National team, it is a honour for you and your family, and the players understand that very well; it is all about protecting and playing for your surname," he told the Pirates website.
"I come from that part of the World and I know how it is like when you are called to the National team.
"Apart from Argentina and Brazil, the other South American countries have very little population and are very small in size.
"They do not have all the resources the other countries have, so for them, when they get an opportunity to thrive in (the World Cup) such occasions, they go all out," Palacios added.
In contrast, the well-travelled 62-year old has questioned the temperament of some of the African players currently taking part in the World Cup.
"I think it boils down to lack of discipline and desire to win; I mean, for a player like Alex Song to do what he did to his country, is unacceptable," he said.
"That was a crucial match (against Croatia) and they had to win. I do not think Song would have assaulted a player if he was playing for Barcelona. You cannot disrespect your country, the viewers and yourself just like that.
"The big difference between African Players and South American players is that in South America, the players know that they make their names in the National Team. Look at the goalkeeper of Mexico; he is one of the most sought after players right now because of what he did against Brazil.
"He does not even have a team but he knew he had to fight for his country and now he will reap big benefits. Players must understand that when you go to big tournaments with the national team you are representing your country and the name of your family. You cannot mess up."
