Khumalo throws AFCON challenge

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Friday December 3, 2010 00:00

 

The former Kaizer Chiefs star addressed a press conference yesterday in Gaborone and noted that the southern African region has only won the AFCON once. Khumalo was in the Bafana Bafana team that made history when they won the prestigious tournament on home soil in 1996.

'The southern African region has only won AFCON once and that is not good. It is better we come together and uplift each other. We need to play friendly matches against each other,' said Khumalo. 

He praised the Zebras for their rise that has seen them top Group K in the 2012 AFCON qualifiers.  

'The Botswana game has developed a lot. It's not a mistake, it's not a fluke how things have turned around, but it's hard work. That's why I am here. I believe you do not only learn from the best, but you also learn from those that are progressing. They possess something that you do not have.'

The former Bafana Bafana striker watched Botswana's Young Zebras play Amajita a fortnight ago in Cape Town and believes the country has made headway in the game. He believes SuperSport United forward Diphetogo Selolwane's exploits in the Absa Premiership bear testimony that Botswana is blessed with much football talent.

Olebile Sikwane of Sports Huis, the company that brought Khumalo to Botswana, said Khumalo, together with former LSC Gunners star Itumeleng 'Tumi' Duiker, will conduct workshops in the capital.

'We decided to bring Doctor Khumalo because we noticed that we have a situation where players are in the game  for some time, but after eight to 10 years there is nothing to show for their fame. He is here to talk about how he managed to build a name for himself in South Africa and how he maintained it,' Sikwane said. Duiker is the pioneering player behind the company. He says Khumalo's visit will benefit up and coming stars in Botswana. 'We are happy to have Doc here. He has come to have a look at what is happening.' Khumalo encouraged football authorities to cultivate a healthy relationship with the media. He attributes South Africa's historic feat in 1996 to good partnerships with the media. 'Through the media, players develop character; so isolating the media from players is not doing any justice to the game.'