Amidst the fading 2010 sunset, Zebras’ ranking woes persist

The team, along the way, hit a cul-de-sac and moments of progress have often been met with battles of attrition. At one moment, the Zebras appear genuine contenders capable of reproducing the sparks of the 2010 era which culminated in a first ever Africa Cup of Nations finals appearance.

But the usual demons; a lethargic display, lack of results and often a lack of signature play conspires to halt their revival. Successive coaches have given it a try with varying degrees of success- and failure. There have been moments when the Zebras twice went close to winning the regional COSAFA Cup, in 2016 and 2019 when they reached the final, but then after that the flat displays returned.