Nigeria legend Daniel Amokachi has insisted that the South African Football Association (SAFA) and the DStv Premiership deserve big credit amid Bafana Bafana's run to the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Many have commended coach Hugo Broos for the heavy presence of locally based players in the Bafana team, with continental club giants Mamelodi Sundowns also earning plaudits as the result of their players dominating the national team.
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There are 10 Masandawana players in the squad, although Thapelo Maseko is set to play no further part at AFCON after he sustained an A-grade three-muscle injury during SA's quarter-final clash against Cape Verde.
Nevertheless, Amokachi, a 1994 winner of the competition with the Super Eagles, has insisted that the South African football's governing body deserves credit for the way Bafana have performed so far at the showpiece, having reached the semi-finals for the first time since 2000.
"I'm a big fan of a team that is represented by home-grown players. We should give credit to SAFA and the league. The league is doing well and that is why we see the quality football," the former Everton striker told CAF Online.
"They are the only country that have a philosophy that is well known, so thumbs up to SA for that because it dates back to previous generations and has lived on.
"They have quality and it speaks volumes of the league.
"They also have a good coach in Hugo Broos. I was under him at Club Brugge when I scored my first UEFA Champions League goal.
"When you look at the Nigerian team, we have the potential and can dominate African football if we keep our minds right. South Africa has a good style of football and keeps possession well.
"I love their No. 10, Percy Tau, so there is a lot to look at and I think it will be a good game. The team that wants it more will come out top."
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