Doctor Khumalo reflects on 1998 FIFA World Cup experience

Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo reflected on the 1998 FIFA World Cup which was held in France.

He shared some information nobody else but only the players knew.

According to Khumalo, it wasn’t a experience players expected in France. A lot was happening behind the scenes that distracted the team and led it to under perform.

Khumalo and company were placed in a tough group alongside the host nation France, Denmark and Saudi Arabiawere knocked out of the global competition in the group stages.

They finished third with two points. They registered two draws and suffered one defeat.

Another issue that make it difficult for Bafana was the change of technical team before the World Cup. Africa Cup of Nations [Afcon] winning coach Clive Barker was replace by French mentor Philippe Troussier

“I don’t think it was a conducive situation for the team. We experienced something that we never thought we’ll come across because we had a French coach who was arrogant to us,” said Khumalo at the 2022 FIFA World Cup official launch.

“We didn’t enjoy, probably if Clive [Barker] was there things would have changed because he understands [us] made us to qualify.”

Khumalo believes the national football association [SAFA] let them down as they experienced horrific scenes.

“I didn’t understand why we preparing to play our first game against France and we were based in Germany before we travel to France.

“Our association failed us, they failed us dismal because it was each and every boy’s dream to play the World Cup,” Khumalo added.