Share

Zuma slams Bafana players for AFCON failings

Cape Town - Former Bafana Bafana striker Sibusiso Zuma has criticised the performance of the players during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Bafana struggled in the group stages where they lost twice and recorded a narrow victory over Namibia.

However, Stuart Baxter's men did produce their best performance of the tournament as they beat Egypt in the Round-of-16 courtesy of Thembinkosi Lorch's late strike.

Nonetheless, they bowed out in the quarter-finals at the hands of Nigeria - a result which did not sit well with Zuma, who starred for the national side from 1998 until 2008.

"Performance-wise, I thought it was bad. But then again, you know with Bafana it's always confusing because they're going to give you one half of good football," he told KickOff.

"So, you can't say everything was all bad, but when looking at the games, I still believe they should have beaten Ivory Coast.

"The game against Nigeria, I still believe they should have won that game, so really it was not a good tournament (overall).

READ: Furman would like to see Baxter stay as Bafana coach

"Our team always shows improvement because we have those individuals (who step up), but as a team, we didn't do well," said Zuma.

"In my whole career, I've never blamed the coach, because I don't remember playing with my coach on the field... 90% of the things happening on the field is all you."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2247 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE