A former Bafana Bafana star has recalled when they first met Cape Verde in 2004, comparing the then opposition with the current on-form island nation.
Bafana and Blue Sharks have clashed five times in history, with both sides winning twice, while one match ended in a stalemate.
They will face off in the AFCON quarter-final on Saturday, 3 February, at Charles Konan Banny Stadium at 10PM. This will be their second encounter at AFCON as they played to a 0-0 draw in 2013 when South Africa last hosted the competition.
FARPost spoke to Benson Mhlongo, who was part of the Bafana team that beat Cabo Verde 2-1 during the two side’s first tie in the World Cup qualifiers 20 years ago.
Mhlongo says Cape Verde looked like newcomers in the space of football. He feels there’s an immense difference between their current team and the one they faced then.
BENSON MHLONGO RECALLS BAFANA BAFANA’S FIRST MEETING WITH CAPE VERDE
“It shows that Cape Verde when we met them in 2004 until now, they have progressed,” Mhlongo told FARPost.
“Remember when we played Cape Verde in 2004? They were an unknown country, new on the block, and we won against them. When I look at them now when they play, they have progressed.
“Now, it shows that we don’t take this game seriously in this country. We think because of the past, it will happen automatically. I think we need to go back to the drawing board.”
Mhlongo says South Africa should find ways to develop the game just like other countries that have been growing over the past years.
The former Orlando Pirates man says Bafana must not solely rely on Mamelodi Sundowns for players. He called for the betterment of the structures of football as a whole in the country.
‘IT’S SUNDOWNS WHO ARE HELPING NOW’
“There is a process that must be in place for us to be better. Right now, we are bragging that we have Sundowns players representing the country,” he continued.
“Actually, it’s Sundowns who are helping right now to get the results we are getting. What about other teams and their structures? After this tournament, even if we win this tournament, let’s not forget our downfall. We have to come back and fix the structures of football, we have to.
“We cannot rely on one team [Mamelodi Sundowns].”
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