SEDIBENG.- Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Augustine Makalakalane echoed Pitso Mosimane’s sentiments over the lack of white players in South African football.

This was after Mosimane publicly raised his concern over the disappearance of white players in the domestic leagues.

Mosimane said there is a serious need to bring white players back into football.

Makalakalane, who was part of the Bafana Bafana team that was crowned the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions in 1996, said they had many white players in the team. He said Mosimane’s concern is justifiable given the current Bafana Bafana team.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Makalakalane, who spent years playing abroad, said during his era at the national team, they had no less than five white players.

For example, Makalakalane said Bafana Bafana was a reflection of the rainbow nation with all races represented in the team. Some of the players from the white community he played with on the national team include Neil Tovey, Eric Tinkler, Roger De Sa, Andre Arendse, and Andrew Tucker.

The outspoken Makalakalane, who is a SAFA Coaches Educator, said the lack of a scouting network is the main reason why there are no longer white and Indian players in the national team.

He told Sedibeng Ster Sport there is a serious need for SAFA to revisit scouting systems throughout the country, including abroad. He said it is not true that the players from white communities have lost interest in football.

We used to have those players when it was still difficult to accept each other.

He said many white players are playing in Europe and it is up to SAFA to trace them.

“Look, I agree with Pitso because we used to play with many white players during our playing days. I don’t think there is enough effort to select players in general. It is SAFA’s responsibility to look at their database, especially when selecting players for our national teams. We used to have those players when it was still difficult to accept each other, but football brought us together,” concluded Makalakalane.

To date, Makalakalane started his football career with the now defunct Vaal Professional when the club was still playing in the Ok League.

His rise to stardom came when he joined Jomo Cosmos, and the next thing he was playing in Europe.