By Ben Nicholson
January 22 – As hosts South Africa exit the African Nations Championship (Chan) amid recriminations and criticism that have even drawn South African president Jacob Zuma (pictured) into the debate, the local organisers have announced prize money of R34 million (3.1 million) for the tournament.
The winners will receive R8.1 million ($750,000) with about R4.3 million ($400,000) for the runner-up and about R2.7 million ($250,000) for the third and fourth placed teams. The R1.3 million ($120,000) that the South African national team, who have failed to proceed from the group stages, will help with federation president Danny Jordaan’s plans for major changes in South African football.
Originally caught in a dispute with leading clubs over the release of players for pre-tournament training and group matches, the South African FA (SAFA) brokered a last-minute deal for the players to join the team.
But the results have disappointed a South African public who became increasingly disillusioned, particularly after the final group game which saw the hosts lose 3-1 to African Cup of nations holders Nigeria.
South Africa’s sports minister Fikile Mbalula called the team “useless” and a “bunch of losers” on radio.
This prompted Zuma to take the unusual step of the premier of a country stepping in to defend his national team: “The fact that the team lost, that doesn’t mean anything as other teams lost as well…Some want the team disbanded. It has improved greatly and needs support.”
Jordaan, who has recently promised an overhaul of football from grassroots upwards in the country said: “I am fully aware that the national team needs urgent attention and we are dealing with the situation … We have a meeting already scheduled in early February where the team name, technical staff and technical sponsorship will be addressed.”
Mali and Nigeria finished ahead of South Africa in Group A to earn themselves a spot in the quarterfinals. Zimbabwe, Libya, Ghana and Morocco have also qualified from the group stages which close today with the final Group D games.
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