Thiaw backs Bafana, questions omission from title contenders

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has expressed surprise at the continued exclusion of Bafana Bafana from conversations around potential Africa Cup of Nations title contenders. 

Thiaw said it was “very strange” that many experts fail to rate South Africa among the teams capable of mounting a serious challenge for continental honours.

The former Senegal international praised the quality of Bafana’s football, pointing to the strong understanding within the squad as a major advantage. Thiaw noted that many of South Africa’s players come from the same domestic clubs, a factor he believes enhances cohesion and tactical discipline on the pitch. He also highlighted what he sees as a recurring bias in African football analysis, where players based in Europe are often valued above those competing on the continent.

Drawing on recent history, Thiaw mentioned that Bafana Bafana finished third at the last Africa Cup of Nations, underlining their pedigree at the highest level. According to the Senegal coach, that achievement alone should earn South Africa respect and recognition as a team capable of going deep into the tournament once again.