Veteran coach Ernst Middendorp says solutions for Bafana Bafana lie at home, not Europe

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town Spurs coach Ernst Middendorp has weighed in on the debate sparked by Hugo Broos’ comments following Bafana Bafana’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

South Africa were eliminated in the Round of 16 after a defeat to Cameroon in Morocco, bringing a disappointing end to their AFCON campaign.

The Indomitable Lions exposed defensive frailties that plagued Bafana throughout the tournament, with the team conceding six goals in four matches at the Nations Cup.

Despite the early exit, Broos’ side had progressed to the knockout stages after finishing second in Group B with six points from three matches.

Bafana collected victories over Angola and Zimbabwe, and suffered a defeat to Egypt in the group stages.

Upon the team’s return from Morocco, Broos told reporters that South Africa needed more players competing in top European leagues if they were to seriously challenge for major trophies such as AFCON.

Those remarks triggered debate within local football circles, with opinions divided on whether overseas exposure is the key missing ingredient for the national team.

Middendorp, who recently returned to South Africa to resume his role as technical director of Durban City FC, offered a contrasting view, arguing that player development is driven by standards and environment rather than geography.

“Football development is environmental, not geographical,” Middendorp said on LinkedIn.

“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. And when they do go abroad, they will succeed more often, because the foundation was already strong.”

The German mentor believes South African football places too much emphasis on exporting players, while overlooking the importance of creating demanding, professional environments at home.

“Improvement happens at home when the environment is right. South African players do improve locally when coaching is demanding, consistent, and detail-driven.”

Middendorp outlined several practical areas where he feels the local game must improve if players are to reach higher levels consistently.

“Training intensity matches real match demands, selection is based on performance, not reputation, players are held accountable for off-ball behaviour, winning habits are built through structure, not speeches.”

His comments speak to long-standing concerns about inconsistency across coaching standards, accountability and football culture in the domestic game.

Middendorp’s stance also reflects his broader philosophy, shaped by years of working across different clubs and environments in South African football.

According to the experienced coach, sustainable success at national level can only be achieved when domestic structures consistently challenge players to meet elite standards.

“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,” he concluded.