Big Gripe on Bafana in Black and White
Pressure is mounting on the South African Football Association (SAFA) and Bafana Bafana to address concerns over the racial makeup of the national football team. This comes after SAFA President Danny Jordaan faced tough questions in Parliament about the perceived lack of transformation in the squad.
During a recent parliamentary session, members of the Sports Portfolio Committee expressed frustration over what they believe is a slow pace of progress in creating a more racially representative national team. The committee’s concerns largely stem from the visible underrepresentation of white and coloured players in the current Bafana Bafana setup, sparking a broader debate around inclusivity and transformation in South African football.
President Jordaan, defending the association’s track record, acknowledged the historical complexities of South African sport but maintained that selection is based on merit and performance. “We understand the concern, but we also need to respect the integrity of the game,” he told MPs. “Our national team must reflect the best players available, while we also work on growing diversity from the grassroots level.”
Despite his assurances, committee members were not convinced, urging SAFA to put stronger development structures in place across all communities to ensure equal access and opportunities for aspiring footballers from all backgrounds.
This is not the first time the issue of transformation in football has been raised. However, this latest confrontation highlights growing public and political scrutiny of South Africa’s sporting bodies. As Bafana Bafana prepares for upcoming international competitions, it remains to be seen how SAFA will respond to the call for a more visibly diverse team that better mirrors the nation’s demographics.
The debate continues, but what is clear is that Parliament expects more proactive measures and visible results—not just promises.
