Bafana Bafana legend Lucas Rabebe has been left impressed by the current national team which he feels has the potential of winning something special.
Hugo Broos’ team have been impressive in the last one year, finishing third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and have qualified for the 2025 tournament with an unbeaten record while a place at the 2026 World Cup also within reach given they enjoy a five-point lead in their qualifying group.
Bafana Bafana have also stayed unbeaten in 13 matches since their semi-final exit at AFCON 2023 in February 2024 with Broos finding the right blend between experience and youth, something that hugely excites Radebe, who was part of South Africa’s Class of 1996 that won the country’s first and only AFCON title.
What does Radebe like about Bafana Bafana?
“I think I have seen over the past games how consistency has played a role [for Bafana success] not just in playing and winning games but I think in bringing the team together, we’re all familiar of the names being announced, which is great,” Radebe told iDiski Times.
“I think it’s a big step for us and it builds up on the field of play with performances, we compete and it shows as a well, we have not lost in more than 15 games, which is great for us, it shows we have a positive way forward.
“The people at the helm are doing a great job and the players are really committed to the cause for the national team.”
There have been complaints over Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates players dominating the national team, something Broos has had to defend himself over a number of times, but Radebe sees nothing unusual, saying it is a continuation of what used to happen during his playing days.
Legendary defender defends Broos’ selection
“Before… we always the core of the national team from the [big three] I think with the manager we have and support from the organisation plays an important role for the team to do well, not only on the field of play but behind the scenes, organisation,” added the former Kaizer Chiefs defender.
“I believe that we’ll get somewhere, there’s great signs with the players, confidence in how they play that they want to win something, we’re heading in the right direction.”
Radebe, who captained South Africa at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, was revered for his great defending as well as his abilities on the ball, skills that he did not just offer Bafana Bafana and Chiefs but English side Leeds United, where he enjoys cult status, and was appointed the club’s global ambassador last week.
