Mark Gleeson, the South African-based football writer (he writes for Reuters, World Soccer, etc), on South African football identity:
“… The pivotal marketing position when South Africa were still bidding for the 2010 World Cup was the assertion it would be a tournament for all of the continent. ‘Africa’s bid’ was the pay-off line used throughout the successful campaign. Using famous footballing personalities from around the continent, South Africa garnered widespread support with its all-inclusive approach against their Arab rivals in the race to win the right to host the event. But for their crowing about pan-African idealism, which the South African World Cup organisers still like to proffer from time to time, there is a growing ambivalence in the country about football to the north of its border. It is as if South Africa looks more to Europe for inspiration and sporting solidarity and, if it had a choice, would bypass competition in Africa all together..”
Good point. also interesting how few SA players would consider playing for the big Egyptian and Tunisian clubs. Many wd rather play in lower division leagues in Germany – and it’s not all about the money…but many they’re just not good enough?