The premature exit of South Africa from this year's AFCON has everybody in the football community talking, especially in Africa, and not in a positive light. As fans from across the continent and the world flock to comparison websites like bettingtop10.co.za ahead of the remaining games of the competition, Bafana Bafana will not be part of it.
As pundits, ex-pros, and fans from across the spectrum of African football share their thoughts in interviews and on social media, former Cape Town Spurs boss Ernst Middendorp has weighed in with his own opinions on the matter.
South Africa's journey in the 2025 AFCON ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Cameroon in Morocco.
The Indomitable Lions exposed defensive frailties that had plagued Bafana Bafana throughout the tournament, with the team conceding six goals in four matches overall.
Despite the early exit, South Africa had progressed to the knockout stages after finishing second in Group B with victories over Angola and Zimbabwe, and a defeat to Egypt.
Upon the team's return from Morocco, Hugo Broos, the team's coach, suggested that South Africa needed more players competing in top European leagues to seriously challenge for major trophies like AFCON.
This sparked a debate within local football circles, with opinions divided on whether overseas exposure is the key missing ingredient for the national team.
Ernst Middendorp, who recently returned to South Africa to resume his role as technical director of Durban City FC, offered a contrasting view. He argued that player development is driven by standards and environment rather than geography.
Ernst Middendorp, said:
"Football development is environmental, not geographical. Europe is not the cause of improvement - it is just the place where standards are enforced daily, excuses are removed, and responsibility is unavoidable. If those same principles are applied consistently in South Africa, players will improve without leaving the country."
"A strong local environment with clarity and pressure will develop players. The problem is not South African talent. The problem is the 'uneven football culture."
Middendorp believes that South African football places too much emphasis on exporting players, while overlooking the importance of creating demanding, professional environments at home. He insists that improvement happens at home when the environment is right, and when coaching is demanding, consistent, and detail-driven.
These comments speak to long-standing concerns about inconsistency across coaching standards, accountability, and football culture in the domestic game.
Middendorp's stance reflects his broader philosophy, shaped by years of working across different clubs and environments in South African football. According to him, sustainable success at the national level can only be achieved when domestic structures consistently challenge players to meet elite standards.
While the debate about local versus overseas exposure continues, Middendorp's perspective offers a fresh look at how South African football can improve from within, focusing on local development and creating a demanding, professional environment at home.
