Ex-Barcelona and Cameroon star Alex Song has shared his fond memories of Bafana Bafana, recalling that the team was ‘unbelievable’.
Song made the remarks days before Bafana’s announcement of the 23-man squad that will play two friendlies in June. The SA Men’s National Team will face Tanzania on the 6th of June at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium. On June 10, Bafana will clash with Mozambique at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in the final match of the two friendlies.
In recent years, Bafana have been on the rise under the guidance of head coach Hugo Broos after turning themselves into one of the formidable teams on the African continent. South Africa clinched the bronze medal at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
In addition, Bafana have qualified for the 2025 AFCON that will take place in Morocco later this year. Meanwhile, they are also in a pole position to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup as they’re sitting at the summit of Group C of the qualifiers with 13 points in six matches.
WHAT SONG SAID ABOUT BAFANA AND THE STANDARDS OF FOOTBALL IN AFRICA
While the Hugo Broos-coached team has improved in the past few years, Song says that he remembers Bafana as one of the ‘unbelievable’ teams to watch in the past. However, he believes that there’s a loss of quality in Africa and many other countries in the world.
Song is vastly experienced, having represented the Cameroon National Team and also played for top clubs such as Barcelona, Arsenal, and West Ham.
“I think football has changed a lot because in the past we had so much talent and so many good players,” Song said at the La Laga event in Melrose Arch.
“And I think it’s not only in Africa, it’s everywhere. If you look at South Africa, you’ll realise that 20 years ago, I remember when I was a young guy, Bafana were unbelievable.
“So we lost that quality, it’s not only in Africa, it’s everywhere in the world. I think young players are coming up now, and they are doing well.”
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