Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Molefi Ntseki refuses to blame Bafana Bafana players despite lapses in CHAN loss to Uganda - 'I can't fault them in terms of performance & commitment'

South Africa is among the 19 teams that competed in the 2024 CHAN tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

They were placed in Group C alongside Uganda, Algeria, Niger, and Guinea, with the two top teams set to advance to the quarter-finals.

Bafana Bafana had anticipated being among the nations to make the last eight hurdle.

The team, which was made up of 14 free agents, managed to collect a single win in the four games played and three draws.

On Monday, they faced hosts Cranes in a must-win game that was staged at the Mandela Stadium in Kampala.

At the end of the regulation time, they were leading 3-1, but two late penalties saw Uganda claim a 3-3 draw, and eventually progress alongside Algeria.

Coach Molefi Ntseki has now refused to blame the players for the exit, rather appreciating them for their efforts. 

"I think we brought professionals, and they showed how professional they are. They showed their commitment, understanding that they are playing for their country, and the game of football, like I said, there are three results," the former Kaizer Chiefs coach told the media.

"Unfortunately, on Monday, we got the result that we do not want.
"We wanted a win, and it did not happen for us. As for the future, I think the country is very proud of their performances and we brought the best players who played very well in this tournament. 

“I can't fault any of them in terms of performance and commitment, and as a coach and as a staff of the team that came to represent South Africa, we are very proud of them," Ntseki concluded.

Most of the players who played the tournament were unattached, but their display proved they still have a lot to offer the Premier Soccer League.

However, for Ntseki, it is another failed mission that might not go down well with potential suitors.