Worst Fans in the World?

Never in my entire life have I come across a set of more pessimistic, Fair Weather fans than is the case with South African national football team "supporters".  They complain about every coaching decision made, critique each player's weaknesses and don't give an ounce of credit when it's due. If Bafana wins, they just "got lucky", if they lose there are all of 5 fans at the stadium the following match. It can't be terribly motivating rocking up to Orlando Stadium on match day as a Bafana player and seeing a contingent of Senegalese supporters outnumber your own 2:1.

I can MAYBE understand getting upset at your club team and disowning them for a weekend, but it's not like you can just switch nationalities on a whim (Yes, I'm speaking to all of you 4th and 5th generation "Italian and "Portuguese" fans that come out of the woodwork around every Euro Championships). The reality of the situation is that this is the team we as a nation have been dealt and we have to get behind them. If SA supporters continue in this vain; not fully investing themselves in the team and only rearing their heads when they taste a bit of success, then SA soccer will continue in a very similar fashion. They will never see runs of sustained success, they will never have the confidence to win any big competitions and head coaches will continue to change more often than my underwear.

It baffles me how a stadium can be sold out for the Black Label Cup which holds absolutely zero significance and yet struggle to seat a quarter of it's capacity when the boys are playing. I never thought that I would say this but we could take a page from the USA's blind patriotism when it comes their national teams. Even when they have absolutely no chance, like their national rugby team in World Cups past, they will still be there cheering on them on. That patience and steadfast support is what got their soccer team to be ranked 12th in the World after the 2010 World Cup. Building takes patience and I firmly believe that with a little patience and faith, Bafana does have the potential to eventually be a good team, it's not like Mzansi doesn't have the talent.

All that being said, I will be there when Bafana turns that corner - these two loyal followers below and I will look to you wavering fans with a gleam in our eyes and quote the wise lyrics of  the great Mr. Mike Jones:

"Back then they did't want me, now I'm hot, they all on me."