by Ntandoyenkosi Ncube
JOHANNESBURG, July 5 (Xinhua) -- African football is earning greater global respect as more players compete at the highest level and bring their experience back to strengthen their national teams, said former South Africa international Doctorson Khumalo.
Speaking to Xinhua during a sponsor's event in Johannesburg on Saturday, Khumalo, nicknamed "Doctor" for his tactical intelligence and the pronunciation of his first name, hailed African football's significant progress in recent years.
"The way African teams have played has been really impressive. It shows how much our football has grown," said the Bafana Bafana legend, who helped South Africa win the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
"So many of our players are now competing in the biggest leagues in the world, and they're bringing that experience back when they play for their countries," he said, adding that African players are proving they belong among the world's elite because they approach football as a profession rather than merely a game.
Widely regarded as one of South Africa's greatest footballers, Khumalo said the performances of African teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup should inspire the new generations of young footballers.
"When young boys and girls watch African teams standing up to the best in the world, they must believe they can get there too," Khumalo said.
"But believing is only the beginning. You still need discipline, sacrifice and the willingness to keep learning every day," he stressed, urging aspiring players to adopt a professional mindset from an early age.
"Football isn't just something you play for fun anymore. If you want to make a career out of it, you have to look after yourself, respect your coaches, train properly, stay humble and never stop improving. The work you put in every day is what makes the difference," Khumalo said.
He also emphasized the importance of balancing sporting ambitions with education, saying education helps prepare young athletes for challenges beyond the pitch.
"Education is just as important as football. The truth is not everyone will become a professional player, and even those who won't play forever. Stay in school, keep learning and prepare yourself for life after football," Khumalo said.
The former South African star added: "Being a good footballer also means growing as a person. Education helps you make better decisions, manage your career and become someone others can look up to."
Beyond competition, Khumalo said football serves as a bridge between cultures and creates opportunities for international exchanges.
"Football brings people together no matter where they come from. When countries work together, they create more opportunities for young players to learn, to develop and to grow, both on and off the field," he said.
Reflecting on Bafana Bafana's progress at the World Cup, Khumalo said the national team has rediscovered its confidence and identity.
"You can see the belief in this group of players. They understand what it means to wear the national jersey, and the supporters believe in them again," he said, adding, "if they keep building on that, South African football has a bright future." ■
