Bafana Bafana legend and demigod of FC Copenhagen, Sibusiso Zuma, believes South Africa's dominance at Thursday's COSAFA Awards proves the country is on the right track.
South Africa walked away with no less than seven awards during the inaugural awards ceremony that was held in Sandton, Johannesburg on Thursday evening.
Banyana Banyana head coach Desiree Ellis led the way when she claimed the Women's Coach of The Year accolade.
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The men's Player of the Year award went to Bafana Bafana's Percy Tau, while the Mamelodi Sundowns duo of Ronwen Williams and Andile Dlamini were voted Goalkeeper of the Year in the men's and women's categories respectively.
Thapelo Maseko bagged the Men's Promising Player award and his coach at Sundowns, Rulani Mokwena, took home the Coach of the Year gong.
Former official Victor Gomes won the Best Legend Referee award.
"This is amazing," beamed the man nicknamed 'Rhee', in a conversation with KickOff.
"In sport, you always need some type of motivation, so this is a huge one for the players, coaches, and the country. It shows we do have amazing talent in this country, we need to make sure we continue taking the game seriously.
"We can't say this was expected for South Africa since it's COSAFA Awards. Nothing is expected in sport, you have to work for it," added Zuma.
The former marauding winger also reserved special words for those who went home smiling from the awards ceremony.
"All the winners have done an amazing job and they are extremely appreciated by the fans, and by us as legends. Our boys and girls are doing an amazing job.
"Well, it doesn't mean we are the best in the COSAFA region, but it means we are on the right track. I still wanna see more in terms of the men's team, I want to see more of our boys in Europe as it's happening with Banyana Banyana players.
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The man who first made his name at African Wanderers, forming a deadly trio with Siyabonga Nomvethe and Phumlani Mkhize, took the opportunity to give Mzansi's football authorities some food for thought.
"I think we need to leave COSAFA to the young guys. Let's give them a window to the scouts to Europe. So, let's see our young talent playing in the COSAFA Cup. Our national U23 team should be the ones playing in the Cosafa Cup since they are not that busy."
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