Bafana Bafana defender Siyanda Xulu has explained what South Africa must do in order to compete with bigger nations on a more regular basis.
With Siyanda Xulu at the heart of the defence, Bafana shocked many by beating Morocco 2-1 in their last AFCON qualifier on Saturday at FNB Stadium.
On the day, Bafana produced a breathtaking performance and Xulu believes for that to happen consistently, more SA players need to ply their trade in Europe.
Siyanda Xulu, who plays for Turan Tovuz in the Azerbaijan Premier Liqa, made reference to Morocco, insisting that the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals are doing well on the big stage as most of their players are based overseas.
In the 23-man Bafana squad that beat Morocco, only six players are based in Europe. These players are Bongokuhle Hlongwane (Minnesota United, USA), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt). Luke le Roux (Varbergs BoIS, Sweden), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Njabulo Blom (St Louis City, USA), and Xulu.
“We are seeing now with Morocco, about 90% of their players are playing in Europe. That’s why they are able to compete at the highest level. It is one thing we need to make sure we try to do as South Africans,” said Xulu.
“We need to import more players so we can compete with bigger countries. Those countries have more players playing in the Champions League and Europa League.
“They have that bit of advantage of playing competitive football week in and week out. When we play against them, we don’t have that much experience but as a country, we need to take more players to Europe and compete in the big leagues.”
Siyanda Xulu is an experienced campaigner
Xulu is an experienced campaigner and Hugo Broos’ first choice at centre-back at Bafana. The 31-year-old has European football experience as he has played in Russia and in Israel.
He also had a stint in the DStv Premiership at Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs and Maritzburg United.
“For us to improve and compete with the so-called big countries, we need to have at least 60% or 70% of the squad competing in big leagues so that it is much easier to compete,” added Xulu.
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“When you have six to seven players in your first XI who ply their trade overseas, they know how it’s done and what it takes to win football matches at that level.
“I think Morocco have done that well and that is why they were able to compete at the higher level at the World Cup. It is because they have so many players competing in higher leagues. They have invested a lot in their football.”