WEEKEND SPLASH: A dark day in South African football

Smiso Msomi|Published 2 hours ago

South African football has been dealt a sobering blow, with Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns suffering premature continental exits while Orlando Pirates were left to carry the country’s hopes.

For all the talk about the strength of the Betway Premiership, the resources available to its leading clubs and their ambitions to compete in Africa, Friday’s results delivered a painful reality check.

Two of the country’s biggest clubs failed to reach their respective CAF group stages, with only Pirates managing to navigate the preliminary rounds.

It was a dark day for South African football.

Chiefs exit frustrating

Chiefs’ elimination was particularly frustrating because the opportunity to progress was there for the taking. After losing 1-0 to Zambia’s Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup tie, Amakhosi responded with a 1-0 victory at Moses Mabhida Stadium through Bradley Cross’s second-half header.

That levelled the tie at 1-1 on aggregate, but Chiefs could not find the decisive goal in regulation time. The contest went to penalties, where Red Arrows prevailed 3-2 to book their place in the group stages.

For a club of Chiefs’ stature, another early continental exit is difficult to accept. They showed enough in the second leg to suggest they could have progressed, but missed opportunities and the failure to convert from the spot ultimately proved costly.

Sundowns exit shocking

Then came Sundowns.

The reigning CAF Champions League holders were expected to negotiate their second preliminary-round tie against Angolan outfit Wiliete SC, particularly with the decisive match being played at Loftus Versfeld.

Instead, a 0-0 draw away from home in the first leg was followed by a 1-1 stalemate in Pretoria, ending their title defence before the group stages.

For a team that lifted the continental crown in May, the result represents a substantial setback. Sundowns have established themselves as one of Africa’s leading clubs, but their status counted for little when they needed to deliver on the pitch.

The warning signs were there after the first leg, when they struggled to turn their possession and attacking opportunities into goals. 

The return fixture offered a chance to put those concerns to rest, but Wiliete held their own and secured the result needed to advance.

There will now be questions for Miguel Cardoso and his players about their execution, their ability to break down organised opposition and whether their standards have slipped at a time when the club should be building on its continental success.

Pirates carry South African flag

Against that backdrop, Pirates provided South Africa’s only positive result.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team thumped Namibian champions African Stars 3-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena, completing a 4-0 aggregate victory to secure their Champions League group-stage place.

Goals from Thapelo Mokobodi, Evidence Makgopa and Mpho Padime ensured there would be no repeat of last season’s qualifying disappointment.

Pirates did what was required, and their emphatic victory underlined the importance of converting home advantage and a first-leg lead into qualification.

But one club’s success cannot disguise the disappointment of the wider picture.

South Africa’s leading teams have the support, experience and resources to compete for places among Africa’s elite. 

The expectation is not that they will win every match, but that they will consistently demonstrate the quality and composure required to progress against unfamiliar opposition.

This weekend, two failed to meet that expectation.

Chiefs must reflect on missed chances and another continental campaign cut short. Sundowns must confront the disappointment of an early exit while defending their crown. 

Pirates, meanwhile, must build on their qualification and ensure their domestic ambitions do not distract from the demands of African football.

One weekend does not define an entire league. But it can expose uncomfortable questions.

South African football has been reminded that reputation does not guarantee progression, past success offers no protection and continental football punishes teams that fail to take their opportunities.

For Chiefs and Sundowns, the damage is done. For Pirates, the challenge is only beginning.

South Africa needed three continental contenders. Instead, only one remains.