Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Doctor Khumalo has called out individualism when it comes to supporting the national team, especially ahead of the crucial deciding 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda on Tuesday.
Following Bafana’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe in the penultimate round of the qualifiers some factions of the supporters were vocal on social media platforms about supporting players because they feature for their favourite clubs.
Others went as far as claiming that the team deserved to not qualify for the global event to be hosted by the USA, Mexico and Canada next year because their favourite players weren’t picked for the camp or because they weren’t happy with comments by head coach Hugo Broos.
Khumalo told the media in Mbombela that he has noticed the division but urged the current crop of players to stay away from social media, while insisting every South African should support Bafana.
“I have seen such [individualism], like after the Zimbabwe game,” said the Kaizer Chiefs legend.
“But I’d like to believe that we always advise the current crop not to be too much on social media or to read or to do anything because that’s the only way of getting them the positive attitude because remember football is a game of opinions.
“But you can’t argue with somebody, you can see some statements that some are just emotional. And you can’t fault them because some individuals when you criticise them you are fuelling their power.
“I have seen that and look when those boys are out there, we don’t have 10 national anthems it’s only one and Rwanda they have one. So now we need to grow as a country and do like the Springboks supporters do.”
Did you know that the iDiski Times Digital Newspaper is completely free! Download it now by clicking the button below or fill in the form to have it sent to you every week.
