In 2014, the South African Football Association launched Vision 2022, and as part of its intended plan, the association aimed at creating international success for the national teams which would also see Bafana Bafana being in the top three in the African rankings, as well as in the top 20 in world rankings.
Many other promises were made, and until the recent success of Bafana in the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, there have been sceptics on whether any, or all those promises were fulfilled.
Despite being criticised in some instances, SAFA president Danny Jordaan has been at the forefront in ensuring that both Bafana and Banyana Banyana have been improving in recent years.
Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, goalkeeping legend Innocent Mayoyo has called on all South Africans to support the country's football mother body.
The Good
"We must remember that a few years ago, SAFA implemented Vision 2022 and I think everyone involved has done well in making sure that there has been success in that regard. I think a lot of people have forgotten about that, which I don't think is right. The association has been clear about taking the senior national team back to where it belongs among the top teams in Africa. We are climbing and I am sure that the association is aiming for a position among the top three teams in Africa and for me that is possible. I mean, with the progress that has been made, we can even go as far as getting to position one in the rankings on the continent," said Mayoyo.
Bafana and Banyana Banyana comparison
"If you have been following in recent times, women's football in the country has been on the rise. Banyana Banyana are up there in the rankings on the continent and that's something to be celebrated as one of the achievements for the country and the association. Back in the day, women's football in the country wasn't as progressive as it is now compared to their male counterparts, but things have changed for the better over the years. That on its own is proof enough that as the country and for the association there is great work that is being done and the achievements are there for everyone to see," he said.
The Bad
"We might find ourselves in trouble if we don't support the association in these things. For example, we need to focus mainly on developing players from a young age to create success for generations to come. For the fact that there is only one recognisable School of Excellence in the country, it doesn't paint a good picture about our seriousness on football development. In my opinion, each province should have its own School of Excellence. You can't expect kids from KZN to travel to Jozi (Johannesburg) to get proper football development. I would like to see a situation where Schools of Excellence from the different provinces playing a national tournament against each other for the selectors to be able to select the best of the best from the kids," the ex-Orlando Pirates keeper said.
The Ugly
"Again, on the topic of Hugo Broos, the way the coach is so needed in the country for progress is evident. But sometimes I feel that he is let down by so many people, including the Premier Soccer League coaches. I have watched them resisting in terms of co-operation when it has been expected of them to do so. How many times has he tried to call a meeting with them, and they didn't avail themselves? We can't continue like that," concluded Mayoyo.
What are your thoughts on work being that's being done by SAFA?
