Bafana Bafana’s journey in the Africa Cup of Nations ended on Sunday following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the Round of 16. While the result caused disappointment across South Africa, former Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa believes the performance was not a failure.
In an interview with Soccer Laduma, De Sa shared his perspective on why the national team fell short. He noted that the squad looked comfortable during the tournament, even when not playing at their absolute best.
The Mentality Gap De Sa highlighted a significant difference between the PSL and top European leagues. Most Cameroon players feature in Europe, where the level of clinical finishing is much higher.
He suggested that a “PSL mentality” currently exists within the squad. In local football, scoring one goal from five chances is often seen as acceptable. At the highest international level, teams must be more efficient. Cameroon took their chances, while Bafana Bafana struggled to match that sharpness in front of goal.
Building for the 2026 World Cup Despite the exit, De Sa maintains that head coach Hugo Broos has built a strong foundation. He believes the team knows their identity and has something to build on.
The focus now moves to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in June. De Sa warned that the upcoming challenges, such as playing Mexico, will be even more difficult than the AFCON.
Expected Squad Changes Looking ahead, the former Bidvest Wits coach expects the roster to evolve. He predicts four or five changes to the squad before the World Cup qualifiers.
De Sa mentioned the need for a striker with more physicality. He also noted that injuries and fluctuations in player form will naturally lead to a different squad composition. The next few international windows will be vital for Broos to refine his selection.
For more updates on the national team and upcoming fixtures, stay tuned to our South African football news section.