South African Football Is On The Rise!
It was a delightful morning for South African football fans, with positive results on the field.
Two major South African clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, secured first-leg victories in their respective CAF Champions League quarter-final matches on Tuesday.
Pirates’ victory, though gritty, was hard-earned. They withstood a relentless onslaught from Algerian side MC Alger at the Stade 5 Juillet 1962 on Tuesday night.
Relebohile Mofokeng’s well-timed pass to Mohau Nkota allowed the youngster to calmly slot the ball past Abdelatif Ramdane in the 65th minute.
This goal, the culmination of a swift counter-attack, proved decisive in a tense encounter in Algiers.
Pirates were forced to produce a herculean defensive effort against Alger, who repeatedly tested Sipho Chaine’s goalkeeping skills. Notably, Chaine made a crucial save to deny Mohamed Bangouma’s goal-bound shot, preserving Pirates’ lead heading into the second leg at Orlando Stadium.
Pirates’ solid defensive line, featuring Thapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Mbekezi Mbokazi, who made his competition debut, contributed to their impressive 11-match unbeaten streak in the tournament. This marks their first quarter-final appearance since 2013, when they lost the final to Al Ahly of Egypt.
It will be interesting to see coach Jose Riveiro’s tactical approach for the second leg: whether he will adjust the team’s formation by sacrificing a defender or adding an attacker. Notably, the three-at-the-back system proved effective in their 2-1 league victory over Sundowns before the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
While Pirates had to maintain a tight defensive formation, Sundowns enjoyed more control in their match against ES Esperance in Pretoria. A long ball from Lucas Ribeiro Costa bypassed Esperance’s defense, allowing Jayden Adams to set up Peter Shalulile for a close-range finish.
The match was a hard-fought affair, with both sides creating chances in an evenly balanced, goalless first half.
Sundowns can expect a similar defensive approach from Esperance in the second leg in Morocco. However, needing to overturn a deficit, Esperance will likely adopt a more attacking strategy, creating opportunities for Sundowns to exploit. Given Sundowns’ quality, they are expected to overcome Maher Kanzari’s side at Stade Olympique Hammadi-Agrebi.
South Africa’s Under-17 team, under coach Vela Khumalo, also delivered a remarkable performance. Trailing 3-1 against Egypt in Morocco, they rallied to win 4-3, with Emile Witbooi, son of Surprise Ralani, playing a pivotal role.
Witbooi set up Simphiwe Mlondi’s opening goal and earned a penalty converted by Neo Bohloko. Bohloko scored a second penalty, and Witbooi sealed the victory with a 71st-minute goal, earning him the man-of-the-match award.
Bafana Bafana are also on the verge of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, having accumulated 13 points from six matches in Group C. Notably, their remaining matches might be played in South Africa, as Lesotho and Zimbabwe will play their home games in the country.
However, their victory over Lesotho was marred by Teboho Mokoena’s ineligibility. While Sportswire reported that the Lesotho FA will not pursue legal action, FIFA is expected to investigate the matter, and potential point deductions remain a possibility.
Team manager Vincent Tseka bears responsibility for this error, and if points are deducted, his position should be reconsidered.
Despite this administrative lapse, South African football is experiencing a positive period.
The question remains: what could disrupt this positive momentum? Hopefully, nothing. Continued financial investment in squads by Pirates and Sundowns is crucial, with the hope that one of them can win the CAF Champions League. A final between the two would be a spectacular event.
Critically, the success of these clubs benefits Bafana Bafana, as their players form a significant part of the national team.
