Shaun Bartlett optimistic Bafana Bafana can win AFCON

It’s been 28 years since South Africa last won the continental title, and more recently came very close when they claimed bronze in Cote d’Ivoire earlier this year.

Bartlett says it is quite unfortunate that after so many years the only gold the nation talks about remains of 1996 but is optimistic that Hugo Broos’ charges can change all that.

"It's very unfortunate that 30 years later we are still talking about 96 but that's the reality, we are not gonna stop talking until we win something again. I think the current generation probably have one of the better squads available at this moment in time and we've gotta capitalise on that because my biggest fear is what's gonna happen after that,” Bartlett.

“I think the current crop of players they've got a massive responsibility and I don't know if it's psychological or a mental block but I think the quality is there, they just need to get over that final hurdle and yeah, secure the cup, come next year."

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With the AFCON qualification out of the way, Bartlett believes the next target is the World Cup.

Bafana last qualified for the global competition back in 2002 in Korea and Japan under Jomo Sono, before featuring in the 2010 edition as the hosts.

Bartlett says the time has now come for the Broos-led national team to return to the world stage.

The tournament takes place in the USA, Mexico and Canada in 2026.

"That's obviously the big one since 2002 we haven't qualified for a World Cup and that's quite a long time for a country of our stature and infrastructure. So, we need to make sure that we at least put our name in the hat for 2026 when it comes to the World Cup and there's more teams that qualify now so we should have a better opportunity also and hopefully we can make sure that that's wrapped up sooner rather than later,” he added.

“You don't wanna go to the last two games and go to certain places to get a result. So, I think that's the important thing."