Has South Africa finally opened their eyes? ANCYL is worried about the state of South African soccer, apparently.

So, the African National Congress Youth League released a statement that they are concerned over "the weaknesses of development structures in South African soccer."

Really? They only realised this NOW? How many World Cups and African Cup of Nations did we have to not qualify for in order for them to think: "hang on, something isn't quite right here." ?

Although I do not entirely support all of the Youth League movements, this is one of the only times I have seen them bring to surface something worthy of our attention...

Spokesman Bandile Masuku of the ANCYL suggested the South African Football Association (SAFA) should look towards the national team playing more frequently, including the youth teams, and more exposure given to the younger players to better the quality and opportunity of youth teams as well as Bafana Bafana.

Hold on, that's not the best part.

"The league also proposed the inclusion of females in SAFA's national executive committee."

Hooray, South Africa! It looks like you are finally trying to eradicate the issue of gender inequality in South African sport! They suggested this as the committee only has 2 females out of 40 members, and that "This situation undermines our collective drive as a nation towards the transformation of all our institutions to be gender representative." Masuku, I hope you stick to your word.

There's not much else to say about this, other than I am extremely pleased that attention is being brought to this. South Africa's most popular sport is football, and the support and culture is hugely dominant, but teams' ability to deliver to the nation is not strong. If soccer in South Africa is invested into more, I have no doubt Bafana Bafana have a very good future ahead of them, and hopefully in a World Cup or two, as well.

All for now,
Gabi