Namibia boss adamant Bafana still Africa powerhouse

Speaking after the Brave Warriors held Hugo Broos’ side to a goalless draw on Saturday, the former midfielder said it’s surprising when Bafana don’t qualify for major tournaments.  He believes South Africa are the standard for rival teams in the COSAFA region. 

"I have this feeling that you [journalists] don't really believe in your team. It is a surprise, you guys are a huge country, the region looks up to you," he argued. 

Bafana Bafana have not competed in the AFCON since 2019 under then-coach Stuart Baxter, and they also missed out on the FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year. 

Benjamin claims it wasn’t due to lack of ability. 

"I just think you as a nation just have to support them. Give the coach the time, given the possibilities shall be good Rome was not built in that one day."  

Following the stalemate at the weekend, Benjamin was asked his overall opinion on a Bafana side his opposite number Broos was experimenting on as he continues to build up to the AFCON in four months.

 ‹‹"You guys have good players, technically, so if you can have that technique and basically that's base of executing your tactics, that's what you have, and normally, on normal circumstances, you'll do it better. It's probably also that you came up against a team that is prepared, and a team that knows them. Half of our players play here and they are looking to get opportunities in your country." 

To support his comments on what Bafana can achieve under Broos if the Belgian mentor is allowed to implement his blueprint, Benjamin highlighted the 2-1 win over Morocco in June.