South Africa welcomes the World Cup trophy as Bafana and Ramaphosa spark historic celebration in Joburg

by nikita.m

South Africa had one of its rare feel good moments this week as the original FIFA World Cup trophy touched down in Pretoria, bringing with it a sense of pride that locals have not felt in years. President Cyril Ramaphosa, surrounded by Bafana Bafana players and some of the country’s most iconic footballing figures, welcomed the golden prize at the Union Buildings during the South African leg of Coca Cola’s World Cup Trophy Tour.

It was the first time the trophy returned to Mzansi since 2018 and, judging by the atmosphere in Pretoria, the country has been waiting for this homecoming.

A celebration rooted in history

The ceremony felt bigger than a photo opportunity. It was a moment that threaded South Africa’s football past with its future. Standing beside President Ramaphosa was 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, whose presence added a nostalgic reminder of the era when Bafana first burst onto the global stage.

Also in attendance were two names woven tightly into South African football culture: Siphiwe Tshabalala, still adored for that opening goal in 2010, and former captain Aaron Mokoena. Their appearance reminded fans how deeply these milestones still resonate.

Coca Cola ensured the celebrations had a continental feel too. Tshabalala travelled with the trophy from Kigali to Johannesburg, reinforcing South Africa’s role in Africa’s wider football story.

A special moment for Bafana

With Bafana Bafana qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the first time in 16 years, the timing could not have been better. Captain Ronwen Williams joined the President for the unveiling, a powerful symbol of how far the national team has come.

For many supporters, seeing Bafana at the Union Buildings with the world’s most famous trophy was a reminder that South African football is experiencing a resurgence after years of frustration.

Building excitement for 2026

The Union Buildings event opened the Gauteng leg of the Trophy Tour before it travels to Cape Town. According to the Presidency, the arrival of the trophy represents “hope, pride, memory and momentum” as South Africa prepares to cheer on its team during the World Cup hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada later this year.

For a nation that has lived through everything from the highs of hosting the 2010 tournament to the lows of inconsistent performances, this moment felt like a reset. A reminder that football remains one of South Africa’s most unifying forces.

And as the trophy continues its journey across the country, the excitement is only just beginning.

Source: Soccer Laduma
Featured Image Source: The Presidency ZA on X