AmaZulu star and former Bafana Bafana midfielder George Maluleka strongly believes that African nations will surprise many with great displays at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The midfield maestro, Maluleka says it is about time African teams show their ‘potential’ at the Qatar World Cup.
Maluleka has predicted that the reigning African champions, Senegal will reach the final on 18 December.
“‘I think this will be a fascinating and difficult World Cup, judging by the modern football and how the game has changed; I’m looking forward to it,” Maluleka told the FARPost.
“The African teams stand a good chance to do well this year. In this day and age, we have so many players that are competing at the highest level of football.
MIDO BACKS SENEGAL TO REACH FINAL
“They will bring their tremendous experience, and I believe the African teams will be a surprise package this year.
“I see Senegal going all the way to the final; they will face Brazil in the last game. I believe in them, this is a year of Africa in the World Cup,” added Maluleka.
Maluleka also expressed his disappointment as the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is not represented at the World Cup.
Orlando Pirates’ Richard Ofori was the league’s last hope, but the Ghana goalie sustained an injury which saw him ruled out of the World Cup.
“It is disappointing that no PSL player or Bafana Bafana in the tournament,” he said.
“These are the games that we want to be associated with, games we want to play as players. The biggest tournament and it is unfortunate that we are not there to represent our countries.”
On the opening day of the global showpiece on Sunday, debutants Qatar suffered a 2-0 at the hands of Ecuador in Rome. Qatar became the first nation to lose the first game of the tournament.
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