Former Bafana Bafana midfielder Surprise Moriri has urged South African football supporters to look beyond club rivalries and unite behind the national team.
Moriri was responding to criticism surrounding comments by Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane, who referenced the different playing styles of players at their respective clubs.
He believes Mosimane’s comments may have been taken out of context, saying the players should be viewed primarily as Bafana Bafana players when they are on national duty.
I think maybe it was taken out of context because he used that as a reference that at Pirates they play like this, at Sundowns they play like this. I want them to play like this and this,” said Moriri.
“At the end of the day, Pitso has to come with his own tactics. The tactics that Pitso has, whether we like it or not, it will be tactics.”
Moriri said the focus should be on the players’ roles within the national team rather than the clubs they represent.
He also drew comparisons with European national teams, where players from rival clubs come together to represent their country.
When you go onto the pitch, you don’t see Modiba wearing a Sundowns jersey. You don’t see Mapolis wearing a Pirates jersey. All of them are wearing the [Bafana] jersey,” he said.
Moriri also called on supporters to put their club loyalties aside and give Bafana their full support.
I know sometimes as supporters we think differently, but that’s where I say we must all come together and try to support. Look beyond our favourite clubs. Look beyond that and also start supporting,” he said.
He believes greater unity and support could help Bafana Bafana continue their progress and challenge for major honours.
Maybe one day you will see us as finalists in the cup. Because that’s what we want. I know that we’ve been improving in terms of the ranks, but we also have to do something,” Moriri added.