How did Apartheid affect South African football?
Apartheid, the racial segregation system which existed in South Africa from 1948-1994, had a significant impact on South African football during this period. Football teams were divided along racial lines, and top players from non-white teams were excluded from national teams. Additionally, most international teams refused to play against South African teams as a protest against the apartheid system. This made it more difficult for South African teams to gain experience and international recognition. As a result of the segregation, the quality of football in South Africa declined, and it has only recently begun to recover.