The Soweto Giants narrowly failed to set up an all South African final in the prestigious continental club competition.
- Pirates reached Caf CL semis
- They were undone by Pyramids
- Mngqithi lauds PSL teams
WHAT HAPPENED?
The almost ending 2024-25 season has been one of the best for South African football.
The senior National Team Bafana Bafana and Premier Soccer League teams have been doing well in the continental games.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Stellenbosch reached the Caf Confederation Cup semi-final but narrowly lost 1-0 on aggregate to Simba SC of Tanzania.
PSL title-chasing Orlando Pirates also managed to make the last four of the Caf Champions League before they were eliminated by Pyramids after a 3-2 aggregate loss.
However, Mamelodi Sundowns kept alive their chances of getting the second star by defeating holders Al Ahly to set up a final with Pyramids.
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi has explained why Pirates and Stellies should be lauded for what they achieved on the continent.
WHAT MNGQITHI SAID
“I wouldn't even want to go to the last stage of the South African final,” the tactician told the media.
“I think personally we should just be proud of how much impact and improvement South African football has had in the past few years.”
“To see Pirates back in the Champions League and going as far as they went? For me, that was very positive," he continued.
"Sometimes we forget that maybe the previous season they could not even come out of the group, or maybe not even reach the quarter-finals.
"But when you see them going as far as they did, you should be very proud."
AND WHAT IS MORE
Mngqithi has further lauded Bafana Bafana for contributing to players' performances for their respective clubs, which has helped the Premier Soccer League grow.
"The PSL has really improved in leaps and bounds, and maybe also take some time to appreciate the work that the national team has done.
"With the national team doing well, these teams and players are forced to give an A-game in their clubs," the former Sundowns coach continued.
“Personally, I'm just a proud South African with the impact that South Africa is making. Look at Stellenbosch; who would have thought they would be in the semi-final of the Confederation Cup? And they were there, and they were strong,” he concluded.
WHAT NEXT?
Coach Miguel Cardoso, Mamelodi Sundowns, and the majority of South Africans hope the Caf Champions League title can be brought to Mzansi.
The bigger picture for the national team will be in the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where coach Hugo Broos hopes to make an impact
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