Exclusive Interview: South African legend Mark Fish has high hopes for continent’s beautiful game

·       African Football legend among A-List attendees for CAF Coaches Conference

·       Bafana Bafana legend believes African football on right path

·       Fish believes African football no longer playing catch-up

As African Football continues to dominate, there are huge expectations of what the next frontier holds.

On the sidelines of the ongoing CAF Coaches Conference, key stakeholders are proffering ideas on charting a definite trajectory that gets results.

South Africa and Bafana Bafana legend, Mark Fish is hopeful that the African game is headed for dominance.

In this exclusive interview with CAFOnline, he talks transformation, building on gains, the legacy of the AFCON and South African football.

African football has come a long way from what you knew. In your view, what has changed about the game?

African football has witnessed a remarkable transformation. While individual brilliance has always been a hallmark, the collective strength of African teams has significantly evolved. The continent's consistent presence in the latter stages of the World Cup, exemplified by Morocco's recent success, demonstrates our growing competitiveness on the global stage.

There are no small nations when we talk about African football and so as football fans we are exciting to see where African football is going. Beyond individual achievements, the development of African football is evident in the improved infrastructure, coaching standards, and others. We're no longer playing catch-up; we're setting the pace. The expectation of an African team reaching the pinnacle of world football is now a realistic aspiration.

Now, when we talk about the growth of African football, not only do we talk about the game being played, but also in hosting world-class tournaments in which Africa has raised the bar. This progress is a testament to the dedication and hard work of players, coaches, administrators, and fans across the continent.

Are you encouraged in particular, by the growth of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, and how it can be improved?

The recent AFCON was a resounding success, garnering significant international attention. The passionate support from Ivorian fans created an electric atmosphere that contributed to the tournament's overall appeal. Africa has consistently raised the bar with each AFCON, demonstrating our commitment to hosting world-class events. This tournament showcased our ability to deliver a memorable experience for both players and fans. Looking ahead, we must

continue to build on this momentum. By setting high standards for future AFCONs, we can further elevate African football on the global stage and inspire the next generation of players and fans.

Now, to why you are here. What do you make of an initiative like the Coach symposium put together by CAF?

Returning to Abidjan for the African Cup of Nations is a homecoming for me. This city holds special memories, as it's where I won the CAF Champions League with Orlando Pirates.

Now, we're here to unite African football and elevate it to compete globally. Let's analyse the last AFCON and chart a course for future growth. Together, we can make the Africa Cup of Nations a world-class tournament, showcasing the continent's unique football culture. Well done to Côte d'Ivoire for a tournament that's set to raise the bar.

Bafana Bafana is currently experiencing a wave of new and talented players. What are your impressions about this new crop of players?

Having Hugo Broos come on board 3 years ago, everyone was very sceptical looking at the number of coaches we had over that short period. And from his time so far, I must admit we had young players, a team with a better structure and the most important thing is these young players understanding what the culture of playing for national team means unlike in the past when players thought it is big thing playing for their foreign clubs than representing the national team. We saw Bafana Bafana showed the what it perfectly means to play for your country and that has been exciting.

Hugo Broos has had a fairly okay time as coach of the Bafana Bafana. What is your assessment of his tenure so far?

Hugo has consistently demonstrated a commitment to qualification and progress throughout his tenure. It's essential that our young players fully understand the responsibility and honour of representing their nation. Success in international competitions, like the World Cup, will be an indicator. To assess his performance, qualifying for the World Cup is a crucial metric which I believe we be with the collectively efforts of the entire team.

Talking about Ronwen Williams, how important is he to the team?

Ronwen Williams is a very important player to our team and role model for young players. Williams as a respected captain is known for his professionalism and dedication and vast experience he has acquired over his years with his involvement in the national local league since his beginnings. His leadership qualities and exemplary performance have earned him the admiration of teammates and coachHugo. Players feel more confident and are assured of positive results when he is in post.

Bafana Bafana get to win the next AFCON hopefully, will that be your wish?

I think we need to take everything at a step and most importantly improve our performance in the last Afcon. It is a process. Looking at how all teams are building up steadily due to the increased opportunities and exposure of their players, It’s just exciting times ahead for African football.

Back-to-Back AFCON, we have seen local coaches winning the tournament. Are you impressed with the level of coaching training on the continent as a whole?

It is about time, yeah. With no disrespect to any foreign coaches for their incredible work done over the years for African football, but certainly it is good to see local coaches doing the trade of their countries and that is very good for African football and the impact to the growth looking at the complete involvement of us in the process. Imbibing the culture of what it takes and means for to play for the national teams.

Given the need for maintaining respect in the team, how can a careful balance be struck between local coaches and foreign-based players?

I believe it's a challenge to see players not only European-based, also local ones disrespecting African coaches. That is completely wrong. I personally find it hard to understand why players fail to respect their coaches looking at the fact that these coaches are there for a reason. I am a firm believer that we play for the coach no matter who we are and hope to see the results reproduce for our personal and national expectations at the end. I expect the senior players to lead by example and this is an issue that certainly needs to be whipped out of the space so we could see more local coaches holding helms in the continent.

What unique role do you think African football legends can play in helping to empower the next generation of players?

Luckily, we have a lot of ex-players who are coaches and hold various positions in their local federation who are doing much for the sport. With these former players actively involved in coaching and administrative roles, fostering more dialogue and collaboration across generations can further enhance the impact of their contributions on the continent at large. By working together there is more we can do within our own structures, we can create a sustainable legacy for African football and empower future generations of players to achieve their full potential even beyond football. Looking at how football is a way of life now to many now and more stories revolve round it.