Samuel Eto’o Questions Weak South African National Team Despite Strong Domestic League

• Samuel Eto'o has been in charge of the Cameroonian Football Association since 2021
• The former striker has stated the Premier Soccer League is the best-run league in Africa
• South African fans have long pointed fingers at SAFA for their disrespect of Bafana Bafana

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has a wealth of resources that are the envy of the African continent, long raising the question as to why the national team is consistently underwhelming.

Cameroon legend and current President of the Cameroonian Football Association, Samuel Eto'o is the latest to comment on the disparity between the DStv Premiership and Bafana Bafana.

All eyes are on Ivory Coast as the creme of the continental crop fight for the Africa Cup of Nations title.

South Africa begin their campaign on January 16 in what will be a test of the strength of the DStv Premiership. All but three of Hugo Broos' squad are based at home, with the majority playing for Mamelodi Sundowns.

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SAFA suffered several resignations and retrenchments toward the end of 2023 due to financial problems, as reported by Sunday World.

The track record of the national football custodians has been chequered since hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with Carte Blanche highlighting the decay of infrastructure.

The PSL and SAFA are separate administrative entities, and Eto'o urged Jordaan and his appointees to prioritise South Africa's fortunes. Goal quoted the Inter Milan and Barcelona legend saying:

"Football officials need to sit down and plan how to take Bafana to another level and make it the best national team in Africa. Given the strength of the national league, that is possible."

Eto' took charge of Cameroon's FA in December 2021, and has faced resistance within the organisation due to his exuberant leadership style.

The BBC reported in October about 'grave irregularities' in Eto'o's office, but supporters say his methods are necessary.

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Lucas Radebe for SAFA President

Sports Brief recently reported on Lucas Radebe's declared intentions of one day running for SAFA President.

Incumbent, Danny Jordaan was re-elected for a third term in 2022 and will not face a vote again until 2026.

Radebe's intentions were publically addressed by SAFA, who urged 'Rhoo' to follow the correct processes.