MC Alger coach Rulani Mokwena has suggested that Bafana Bafana’s Africa
Cup of Nations elimination was partly due to not fielding its strongest
possible squad.
Speaking to SNAWA on Metro FM, the former Mamelodi Sundowns tactician
reflected on South Africa’s last-16 exit against Cameroon, linking the
team’s performance directly to preparation and selection.
“The problem with speaking about the matches is that it has more to do with
the preparation and the selection, because the games are a reflection of
everything around them,” Mokwena stated. “I personally believe that in the
national team, our best players must be available for such competitions. I
don’t think we had all our best players, in their best form, at this AFCON.”
He expressed that the team’s display in the tournament fell short of its
true potential. “It’s a bit difficult to comment because I don’t think the
performance of the team and the whole squad was a true reflection of what we
are capable of, and how we are capable of representing ourselves.”
Mokwena also contrasted the pressure surrounding the latest campaign with
the previous tournament, implying the team was less prepared this time.
“Generally, when we went to the previous AFCON, we went there without
expectations and without a lot of pressure. But when people expect you to do
well, you need to have all your weapons. I don’t think in this competition
we were as prepared for that.”
He was careful to note his respect for head coach Hugo Broos, despite his
critique. “That’s just my opinion. I don’t like to voice my opinion a lot on
these things because Hugo Broos has done incredible work. Of course, there
are things that I disagree with.”
