Doctor Khumalo encourages Bafana Bafana identity and tactical discipline

Most teams on the continent, especially in North Africa, have struggled to contain Bafana in continental matches, especially at the Africa Cup of Nations.  

According to Khumalo, a member of the 1996 AFCON-winning team, mixing this unique style of play with tactical discipline, there is no stopping Bafana.

"We are playing South African football and we, actually, not confuse but frustrate our opponents because, if you look at [Mamelodi] Sundowns and [Orlando] Pirates' combinational play, the rotation of the ball in possession, it frustrates opponents," said Khumalo.

"And one of the countries that I know very well, until today, are frustrated is Nigeria – because they are aggressive and all that.

"But our players, when they played [against] Zambia, from our goalkeeper to their final third, they had 10 touches without Zambia touching the ball.

"So the rotation of the ball and with [Teboho] Mokoena in the middle of the park – very instrumental, this is why Africa will have a problem when it comes to containing South Africa."

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Khumalo says, with a strong focus, the players can build on the bronze medal achieved in the Ivory Coast. 

"I think for them to have managed to qualify back-to-back for AFCON and World Cup, it's the character of the kind of players they possess, and also the tactical approach," he added.

"But, like I usually say, the players are the ones that make it happen – the coach can do so much, but on the field the players are the ones who make it happen, and Bafana Bafana were marvelous to watch.

"I must say that they didn't disappoint, and in Ivory Coast they got third position, but I strongly believe if they can focus and play the kind of game they enjoy, I think they will go up until the finals."