SuperSport United Under-19 and first-team set-piece coach Jabulani Maluleke has given his honest assessment of the current Bafana Bafana squad.
Bafana might have done well and qualified for the 2023 AFCON finals that will be held in Ivory Coast next year but in the past years, they have been a disappointment.
In the past, the national team was known for being stubborn and competitive. They won the 1996 AFCON and qualified for two FIFA World Cup finals; 1998 in France and 2002 in Korea-Japan.
All that has since vanished as different squads have failed to replicate those efforts and successes.
JABULANI MALULEKE SAYS BAFANA BAFANA PLAYERS DON’T HAVE HUNGER
According to Maluleke, the players lack hunger to play football, as they are playing just for the sack of representing the national team.
“I feel like we don’t have that football hunger like before, the likes of Doctor Khumalo and [the late] John Shoes Moshoeu,” said Maluleke on MSW.
“That hunger is no more there, we just there to play and go home. I think that part is missing in our football.
“In the olden days, they used to play without fear. They used to play with a smile on their faces, enjoying the game.
“I think the hunger comes with determination, dedication and the love that you have for football. If you love football, I think you will do anything to protect what you have.”
Bafana Bafana will be in action on Saturday 17 June. They take on Morocco in their last match of AFCON qualifiers.
Heading into the encounter, it’s all about pride as both nations have already sealed qualification spots for Africa’s showpiece. Kickoff at FNB Stadium is at 5pm.
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