Bafana Bafana legend Doctor Khumalo has hinted that the South African national team are still “fighting for something” and the mood in the camp is not the best.
Khumalo’s comments come after captain Ronwen Williams also called the preparation camp “strange and weird”, with Bafana’s preparation already a bit overshadowed by Hugo Broos’ comments about Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
After they were perceived as “racist” and “sexist” by some, Broos read out a statement how the outcry – with some calling him a “racist” has hurt himself and family, before apologising for his choice of words.
Even though Khumalo did not reveal what issues he is talking about, there have been bonus rows in the past – not just between Bafana and SAFA but also Banyana Banyana ahead of major tournaments – and so far there hasn’t been any official word on the bonuses for the team for AFCON.
“Let’s continue to do what makes us look best on the field,” Khumalo said on SABC2 after the match.
“Let’s hope our players are clear-minded, because I heard via the grapevine, the camp is not ok.
“So they are still fighting for something. I hope and wish when they get there [to Morocco] everything is resolved.”
Despite the alleged friction, Bafana were sent off by a delegation from SAFA and Gauteng politicians ahead of traveling to Morocco on Wednesday.
Bafana open their 2026 AFCON in six days when they will face Angola on Monday, 22 December. They will then face Egypt on 26 December before closing off the group stage against Zimbabwe on 29 December.