Reacting to the South African Under 23's failure to qualify for the Afcon and the Olympics, head coach David Notoane hinted at a problem far deeper than the players and coaches.
Hopes for a place in the U-23 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) and the Paris Olympics went up in smoke as South Africa's under 23 squad was eliminated on aggregate via the away goal rule against Congo.
Having to a 1-1 draw at home in Dobsonville last week, Notoane's troops needed to either win or score more away goals than their counterparts in the second-round tie against Congo, played in Brazzaville on Monday.
However, it was not to be as the teams' played to a goalless draw, sending Congo through to the continental showpiece set to be played later this year.
"Very very disappointed on a personal level because I think the game was within our grasp. To get a result, we had planned to make sure that defensively we are tight, we don't concede. But then we missed some very good chances," Notoane told SAFA media.
"Radiopane had two one versus one, then at the end Mduduzi Shabalala, again it's all down to decision making, But I think the boys put up a very gallant fight in very difficult conditions.
"It's football, it wasn't out time but yeah, it's very much emotionally draining If one looks at the circumstances overall, of our campaign. It leaves one with a lot more questions, a lot more soul searching about the process that we are on with regards to this team.
READ | SA U23 fail to book AFCON berth
Notoane also hinted a problem far deeper than the coaches or the players.
"We were so close yet so far," Notoane added.
"It's unfortunate that most of the time, one had to deal with last-minute situations in putting the team together despite efforts to try to formulate a long-term strategy, that would give the team a chance of preparations to build a good team so that when we come to these tournaments and qualifiers, we are better prepared."
Monday's clash was also marred by controversy as the South African team's preparations were disrupted ahead of the fixture, amongst other challenges.
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