South Africa’s A team head coach, Molefi Ntseki, has called for stronger institutional backing for the African Nations Championship (CHAN), emphasizing its importance in the development of local players.
As his squad prepares for the second leg of their CHAN 2024 qualifier against Egypt, Ntseki has expressed frustration over the lack of structural support for the competition.
The tournament, exclusively reserved for players competing in their domestic leagues, often receives less attention than the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, Ntseki believes CHAN is a vital platform for South African footballers to showcase their talent on the continental stage.
“I don’t remember the last time we qualified for CHAN. It was a long time ago. However, this tournament is a great opportunity for local players,” Ntseki said following his side’s 1-1 draw in the first leg against Egypt.
Challenges with player availability
One of the key obstacles facing South Africa’s CHAN ambitions is the difficulty of securing player releases from clubs.
Unlike some African nations that adjust their domestic schedules to accommodate CHAN qualifiers, South African clubs are not required to release players for the tournament.
“In some countries, their leagues are suspended during CHAN qualifying, allowing the best players to represent their national teams. Here, we have to deal with a tight schedule and the difficulty of getting our best players back,” Ntseki explained.
Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about the squad he has assembled and is hopeful they can rise to the occasion in the second leg against Egypt.
A victory would secure their place in the final tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in August.
A call for greater investment in local football
Ntseki has urged South African football authorities to place more emphasis on CHAN, arguing that it serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to break into the national team setup.
“This tournament allows players to shine and be spotted. If we give them the means to succeed, they can make South Africa shine on the continental stage,” he stated.
With qualification hanging in the balance, Ntseki and his squad are determined to prove their worth in the return leg against Egypt.
A successful campaign could reinforce the significance of CHAN in South African football and push for better long-term planning to support local talent.
