Cameroon legend Eto’o puzzled by Bafana AFCON struggles

Bafana Bafana are preparing to fight for their second AFCON title but Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o says he is baffled by the side’s struggles.

Eto’o says the DStv Premiership is such a good league but doesn’t understand why Bafana continue to struggle at AFCON.

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The South Africans are set to face Mali in their opening Group E AFCON encounter on Tuesday but the former Cameroon and Barcelona striker, Eto’o is puzzled.

Now serving as president of the Cameroon Football Federation, FECAFOOT, the legend Eto’o played for numerous European clubs including Inter Milan, Chelsea, and Everton during a 22-year career.

CAMEROON LEGEND ETO’O PUZZLED BY BAFANA AFCON STRUGGLES

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Eto’o’s sentiments come as Bafana head to the AFON tournament in Cote d’Ivoire under the guidance of Broos who lifted the trophy with Cameroon.

“I am baffled as to why Bafana Bafana (The Boys) have constantly underperformed at the Cup of Nations,” he told AFP during a visit to South Africa per IOL.

“The South African league is well organised and one of the best in Africa so I do not understand why the national team is not that good.

“Football officials need to sit down and plan how to take Bafana to another level and make it the best national team in Africa.

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“Given the strength of the national league, that is possible.”

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The revered AFCON and one of the most Africa’s greatest strikers, Eto’o adds that the lack of hunger to play for European clubs is a cause for concern.

He adds that enticing salaries paid in the DStv Premiership mean most players are not hungry to go overseas and ply their trades.

“They lack the hunger to join a European club, battle the cold weather, and fight for a starting place,” adds Eto’o.

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“Unlike a few decades ago when every South African footballer craved a transfer to Europe, the current group is happy to stay at home, earn good salaries, and be socially popular.

“I coached two top-flight South African clubs and often got the impression that mobile phones were seen as a more important asset than a football.”

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