Dludlu-Sibiya: Nigeria No Longer Our Hoodoo Team

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By Malose Wa Ga Lamola


South African U/17 Mentor, Simphiwe Dludlu-Sibiya during a training session. (Photo Cred: SAFA)

ShakingInk caught up with South African Under 17 women's mentor, SABC Sports football pundit and former Banyana Banyana skipper, Simphiwe Dludlu-Sibiya to get her brains on the success of the holy grail of South African football, bonuses tabled by SAFA and her take on the raging debate over who is the best footballer between the veteran Nigerian attacker, Asisat Oshoala and the speedy South African goal poacher, Thembi Kgatlana. 

Years crept past with South African Football Association (SAFA) facing the cardinal sin of operating on a shoestring budget. A budget tighter than a python wrapped up its prey. SAFA has attained her omega point. A national masterpiece, sculpted by SAFA to perfection. When SAFA president, Dr Danny Jordaan, announced that the Association has put aside a whooping R9.2 million to pay Banyana stars' for their progress in the Africa Women's Cup Of Nations (AWCON) tournament he had the nation's hearts pounding like drums with many describing the decision as a turning point in women's football.

In the past, the Association's presidents were only good at giving rehearsed statements with no feelings behind. Hugging the ladies with a more politician-like precision. Though, little was done for Banyana in comparison to their male counterparts, the women's team
maintained a thirst for excellence. Dludlu-Sibiya insists that the Association planned accordingly to pay Banyana stars like true professionals. "Safa has planned better in discussing bonuses way ahead of the tournament,” Said Dludlu-Sibiya.




Banyana Banyana took on their chief opponent Super Falcons of Nigeria in their Women's Africa Cup of Nations group C opener, in Rabat, Morocco. Though, Nigeria has proven a hard nut to crack for South Africa, luck has switched to Banyana's favour in the recent past. Nigeria's success at the continental, prestigious tournament is second to none. A tale that can be described as a walk in the park for the west African nation, but walking may not be the best description for the high-flying Falcons. The Super Falcons are always on the lookout to feast. Eager to wreak havoc and protect their crown. 


The distinction between winning and losing can be much too sharp. Banyana beat Nigeria two-nil in the group phase of the 2018 AWCON edition held in Cameroon, before the two super houses of African football met again in the final, with South Africa losing on penalties. 


Before the encounter in Morocco, the two sides have met in Nigeria, in the inaugural Aisha Buhari tournament. South Africa put their old foes to the sword and claimed a four-two victory en route to clinching the Aisha Buhari title. Under the constant pressure of having to meet Banyana at every AWCON Nigeria dropped their guts. A recipe for trouble. Nigeria's victory was more of a slogan than an actual plan. Never ready to die on the actual battlefield. Banyana were onto them like foxes into a hen house. Two powerful sides pitted against each. Someone had to dangle in the wind and this time around Nigeria was the victim. Desiree Ellis charges have adopted the guerrilla tactics of hit-and-run. Dludlu-Sibiya says defeating Nigeria is becoming a norm. 

"Nigeria is no longer our hoodoo team. Remember, we beat them in Cameroon in 2018, before losing the final to the Falcons in a shoot out. Beating Nigeria in Nigeria with such a massive score line was sweeter but Banyana had to beat Nigeria (AWCON opening fixture) to prove that, the Aisha Buhari victory, was no fluke. The Nigerian squad that was in the Aisha Buhari tournament and the one in Morocco now, are different. Ninety-eight percent of that squad (that played the Aisha Buhari tournament) was made up of local players. But, the squad at the AWCON tournament is full of players plying their trades abroad.” Elaborated Dludlu-Sibiya. 


With the ever-growing comparison of Nigeria's veteran attacker Asisat Oshoala to the speedy South African goal poacher, Thembi Kgatlana, Dludlu-Sibiya was thrown into the debate and feels it is a bit harsh to compare the two stars. Kgatlana has dethroned Oshoala as the queen of African football, when 'Pikinini' ascended to the throne and wore the best footballer in Africa crown in 2018. “Comparing Thembi Kgatlana to Asissat Oshoala is a bit unfair. They ply their trades in Spain for two top teams. Oshoala at Barcelona and Thembi for Atletico de Madrid. I mean, Thembi is young and quick. Oshoala is twenty-seven years old now, with a load of experience. She has been kicking it for years. Oshoala is tall and has long legs. She can't compete with Thembi for pace. Each has a unique set of qualities that the other lacks. The two are too different to be compared.” Dludlu-Sibiya Wrapped.


@Lamola_Herold

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