Former Kaizer Chiefs Star Supports McCarthy And Radebe For National Coaching Role

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender David Kannemeyer has expressed his support for local football legends to be considered for the Bafana Bafana coaching job. His comments come after the national team’s disappointing 2-2 draw with Liberia in a recent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, which has put pressure on current coach Hugo Broos and Bafana’s chances of qualifying for the Afcon finals.

Kannemeyer believes that local coaches, especially former professional players, are better suited for the Bafana job. He expressed concern that legends of the game are not being given opportunities, which is hurting South African football. Kannemeyer highlighted the fact that there are not many ex-professional players involved with youth teams, which is indicative of the lack of a plan to help return the national team to its old glory days.

Kannemeyer cited examples of former players who are succeeding as coaches abroad, such as Benni McCarthy, Quinton Fortune, Bradley Carnell, and Roger de Sa. He questioned why South Africa is not using its own people, especially when other African countries at the FIFA World Cup have ex-players as coaches. Kannemeyer also called for former Bafana stars like Mark Williams, Pollen Ndlanya, Shaun Bartlett, Lucas Radebe, and Mark Fish to be considered for coaching roles with the national team.

In Two Pictures

South Africa has been producing coaches who are making waves abroad, such as Fortune, Carnell, McCarthy, De Sa, Pitso Mosimane, and Steven Pienaar. However, Kannemeyer believes that local talent should be given more opportunities at the national level. He warned that South Africa will not qualify for another World Cup if it does not wake up and start utilizing its own experienced players.

South Africa is currently in Monrovia, where they will face Liberia on Tuesday in their bid to seal qualification for the Ivory Coast 2023 Afcon finals. The pressure is on Broos and his team to deliver a win and keep their hopes of qualifying alive.

In conclusion, Kannemeyer’s comments highlight the need for South Africa to focus on developing local talent and giving former players opportunities to coach at the national level. While the country has produced successful coaches abroad, it is time to bring that talent back home and utilize it to strengthen Bafana Bafana. The upcoming match against Liberia will be a crucial test for the team and its coach as they seek to qualify for the Afcon finals.