by Ntandoyenkosi Ncube
JOHANNESBURG, July 5 (Xinhua) -- As African teams continue to impress at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South African football figures said the continent's growing success reflects years of progress and should inspire young players to pursue the sport with discipline, professionalism and commitment.
Speaking to Xinhua during a sponsor's event in Johannesburg during the weekend, former South Africa international Doctor Khumalo, Brighton Mhlongo and Linda Mntambo praised the progress made by African football in recent years.
Khumalo, who helped South Africa win the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, said the performances of African teams should encourage young players to dream big, while recognizing that talent alone is not enough.
"Believing is only the beginning. You still need discipline, sacrifice and the willingness to keep learning every day," he stressed, urging aspiring footballers to value education alongside sport.
The Bafana Bafana legend said: "Education helps you make better decisions, manage your career and become someone others can look up to. Football can open doors, but education helps you make the most of those opportunities."
Mhlongo, who played as a goalkeeper for Orlando Pirates and earned one international caps for South Africa, shared a similar view, highlighting the importance of discipline.
Noting that the gap between African football and the traditional powerhouses is getting smaller, he said: "There's no success without discipline. Every training session counts. The players who make it are usually the ones who arrive early, work hard and keep pushing themselves, even when nobody is watching."
"Eat properly, take care of yourself, respect your teammates and coaches, stay away from distractions and keep improving," the goalkeeper encouraged young players to approach football as a long-term career.
"Talent might get you noticed, but discipline is what keeps you there," Mhlongo added.
For Mntambo, who played for Chippa United, Orlando Pirates and Sekhukhune United in South Africa's top flight and represented South Africa once, Africa's strong World Cup showing offers proof that young footballers can reach the highest level.
"It's inspiring because many of those players started where we started. Seeing them represent their countries on the biggest stage reminds every young African footballer that it's possible," he said.
The midfielder encouraged young players to remain patient throughout their development instead of seeking immediate success, saying, "A lot of young players want things to happen quickly, but football doesn't work that way."
"You have to be patient, work hard every day, listen to your coaches and stay disciplined. Every training session is another chance to get better," he said, adding that it all starts with the attitude.
Reflecting on the responsibility carried by the national team, Mntambo said every appearance for South Africa should inspire future generations.
"Whenever we put on the Bafana jersey, we know young people are watching us. We want them to see that if you work hard, stay disciplined and never give up, you can also wear this jersey one day," he said. ■
