FORMER Mamelodi Sundowns wing-back, Lovers Mohlala, is not surprised that Bafana Bafana failed to qualify for next year’s Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
Bafana’s youthful side’s dream of playing in the greatest football spectacle was shattered on Sunday when they lost 1-0 to Ghana via a controversial penalty.
The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow for Mzansi as Bafana needed just a draw to qualify for the knockout stage.
The Black Stars qualified for the knockout stage by virtue of finishing as Group G leaders due to a superior goal difference, even though the teams were tied on 13 points.
Mohlala played in all the national teams during his career and earned nine caps for Bafana Bafana.
“The ref played an important role for Ghana’s win. But experience goes a long way. Play people who have played in Africa who knows the tactics.
“I don’t want to criticise players who were chosen to represent the country, but the way we played against Zimbabwe I knew we won’t come back with a win from Ghana.
“You can’t buy experience. We needed someone such as Dean Furman who can absorb pressure,” Mohlala said.
The 45-year-old said Bafana coach Hugo Broos must blend youth with experience if South Africa are to qualify for major competitions again.
The last time South Africa qualified for the World Cup was back in 2002 under the guidance of Jomo Sono.
“When there is transformation, you don’t get rid of everybody in the team at the same,” said Mohlala.
“(Rushine) De Reuck has always done well with an experienced player like Grant Kekana at Sundowns.
“What is the reason of leaving Kekana out of the squad?
“The reason we wanted to play for big teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates is that it was our gateway to the national team. Now the number one team has only one player in the national team.”
Mohlala blames Broos for Bafana’s exit from the World Cup qualifiers.
“I think the coach’s attitude led us to where we are. What’s more painful is that we played the worst Ghana side. If he wants to utilise the youth, he must do it in the Cosafa Cup. You can’t take soldiers who just started to war. You need experienced soldiers to guide them.”
