Bafana Bafana needed only a draw in their match against Nigeria to progress to the quarterfinals of the African Nations Championship.

Despite a frenzied crowd at the Green Point Stadium on Sunday, Bafana could only muster a single goal in reply to the attacking onslaught that saw Nigeria thump three goals past a lacklustre South African defence.

While dejected fans filed out of the stadium, some were vocal about their disappointment – but none were quite as loud as sports minister Fikile Mbalula, who called Bafana’s performance “a disgrace.”

What I saw was a bunch of losers. Even I could have saved those two goals Moeneeb Josephs conceded. I love Moeneeb but I don’t know what happened on the night. In some countries, these players would not be welcomed anywhere. They are useless.

Yesterday, Football Association president Danny Jordaan calmly answered questions about national coach Gordon Igesund’s future, playing his cards close to his chest when it came to questions of a dismissal.

We need a comprehensive approach to and review of our national team. This tournament showed us that we know very little about African football, to the point at which we are dismissive of it and the quality of football.

For some time now we have been considering making changes, even as far as changing the name of the team from Bafana Bafana.