Vela Khumalo cites fatigue in Bafana Bafana’s COSAFA Cup final defeat

Bafana Bafana B head coach, Vela Khumalo, cited fatigue as a major reason for the national team’s 3-0 defeat to Angola in the COSAFA Cup final on Sunday.

South Africa were aiming for a record sixth title, but the reigning champions, the Black Sable Antelopes, had other ideas, securing their fifth COSAFA Cup crown at the Free State Stadium.

In a post-match interview, Khumalo was understanding of his players, expressing satisfaction with taking home the silver medal, especially given South Africa’s recent struggles in the tournament since their last victory in 2021.

“We played a really solid team,” said Khumalo. “I believe the game we played against Comoros drained us quite a bit. We weren’t really energetic, but we had discussed their set-pieces and how they would score from standard situations. And they did exactly that.”

South Africa 🇿🇦 Fair Play Award 👏#COSAFACup2025 pic.twitter.com/IuZz1zvm22

— COSAFA (@COSAFAMEDIA) June 15, 2025

Khumalo attributed Angola’s goals to “a lapse of concentration from our boys,” but was quick to defend his team. “I cannot fault them now. It’s gone; it’s dusted. We have silver, we wanted to have gold. It’s one of those things we take and go.”

Despite trying to be more offensive and playing more attacking players, Khumalo noted, “the energy was somehow depleted because of the game we played, which is not an excuse, but we take silver.”

The coach focused on the bright side of the tournament, emphasising the invaluable experience his squad gained. This SA team was largely made up of players who are on the cusp of breaking into the senior Bafana Bafana squad and those who have shown great promise in South Africa’s local league.

“I think it was good exposure for our boys. I think Hugo Broos [senior Bafana Bafana coach] saw them now and he can make decisions on them.”

Khumalo concluded by expressing confidence in the talent within his team, stating, “We had quality, we had a talented team, we played very well, and it’s up to the coach to see who he can pick. One or two in this team, I think, will beef up the senior Bafana Bafana.”