Survey reveals SA football fans still care about Bafana, PSL

South African football fans were asked in a survey to give their view on the state of the game in the country.

This followed Bafana Bafana's qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

According to Bet.co.za website, the aim of the survey was to gain insight into the views and sentiments of football fans about the standard of South African football.

The survey, which had 1 000 respondents, covered several talking points such as the impact and role of SAFA (South African Football Association) in improving South African football, the quality of locally based players, and other topics.

The survey revealed some surprising statistics, the most important being that South Africans still care a lot about Bafana Bafana and the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

Over two-thirds of football fans surveyed watch the DStv Premiership, and a large number still watch Bafana Bafana. However, the majority of South Africans rated SA football as average, with 54% giving this rating.

When it comes to developing young talent, 50% of the respondents believed that SA and PSL teams were not really good at it, while 43% believed that SA was good at developing young talent.

The survey found that the best players in the PSL were not ready to play in Europe's top five leagues, with 48% agreeing with this statement.

The survey also revealed that South African football fans would urge an 18-year-old player to move to Europe as soon as possible.

With a lack of South African players abroad, 75% of South African football fans suggested that a young star move to Europe as soon as possible to develop and cultivate his/her career rather than staying in South Africa.

To develop grassroots players, most fans suggest focusing on school football leagues/tournaments,