It has been a long year with the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, despite all the challenges in our sports, Springboks’ victory in the Rugby World Cup will forever remain the highlights of 2023. For their effort, even President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the 15th of December as a public holiday.

We should not shy away from the fact that there were a lot of challenges in our sports, especially in our football. Our junior national teams failed dismally to qualify for major football tournaments. The only national team that seems to be productive is Banyana Banyana.

Some of the big teams have dropped the ball, with Mamelodi Sundowns enjoying the freedom of South African football. They, Sundowns, seem to be the only ‘bull’ in the ‘kraal’, dominating both local and continental football.

The Springboks’ victory against New Zealand brought the country to a standstill. But what about our own Bafana Bafana? The last time Bafana Bafana brought this country to a standstill was back in 1996 when they were crowned the African Cup Of Nations champions.

That was the last time Bafana Bafana achieved something in continental football. It’s time for SAFA to reshuffle these national teams to compete against household names in the world. I’m not into New Year resolutions, but there is a serious need for change at SAFA headquarters if we are serious about achieving what the Springboks have achieved. This has nothing to do with New Year resolutions but a MATTER OF FACT! There is a need for change in our football. Like TOUCHLINE said before, Banyana Banyana seems to be the only SAFA national team that appears to be more productive compared to the rest. To make it worse, these poor girls are paid far less than their ‘useless’ counterparts are getting, for nothing. Again, it is high time SAFA gave Banyana Banyana women’s football the same treatment they gave to these men’s national teams. TOUCHLINE wishes all its readers a HAPPY Festive holiday and prosperous New Year. It is time to kiss goodbye to 2023!