Sport has brought plenty of joy to South Africans in recent years — but for a long time, football, or soccer as it’s often called locally, hasn’t been part of that celebration.
That has now changed in spectacular
fashion.
Bafana Bafana, South Africa’s national team, have ended a 16-year wait to return to the FIFA World Cup™, sparking nationwide pride and emotion.
After their glorious CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1996, Bafana Bafana became a force on the continent, qualifying for three of the next four World Cups — in 1998, 2002, and 2010.
Their most unforgettable moment came at home in 2010, when they famously defeated France 2–1 in Bloemfontein, a victory etched in South African football folklore. But heartbreak followed, as that match remained their last appearance on football’s biggest stage — until now.
Dominant Qualification and Joy in Mbombela
Under the leadership of Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana stormed back into global contention. Their 3–0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela sealed top spot in their qualification group and confirmed their long-awaited return to the World Cup.
As the final whistle blew, euphoria erupted across the stadium — fans danced, waved flags, and sang with tears of joy as the players celebrated on the pitch.
This qualification marks South Africa’s fourth appearance at the global tournament, following 1998, 2002, and their automatic inclusion in 2010 as hosts. For a team that had endured years of near misses and frustration, it was a moment of pure redemption.
Broos: “We Believed in Ourselves”
For Belgian-born coach Hugo Broos, who represented his own country at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico, the achievement was deeply personal. Coaching a team at the World Cup had been a lifelong dream — one he’s now fulfilled with South Africa.
“We all knew that we could do it, we believed in ourselves. We are going to the World Cup and it is fantastic,” said the 73-year-old.
“In the last three years, we changed players and every time it was the right choice. What happened tonight is the work of three years, and the future looks very bright for South African football. We have the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco during December and then the World Cup. There are no words to express how I feel.”
The Road to Redemption
South Africa’s qualification campaign was filled with tension and twists.
A five-point lead midway through the group stage turned into a two-point deficit behind Benin with one round to go. Draws against Nigeria and Zimbabwe, plus the loss of three points for fielding an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, had left fans anxious.
Heading into the final round, South Africa needed two results to go their way — a win over Rwanda and a Nigeria victory against Benin.
Both happened. The home side produced a commanding performance, while Nigeria did their part elsewhere, setting off scenes of unbridled celebration across the nation.
(with agency inputs)
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