Bring back Zakumi: Fans call for the return of Bafana mascot ahead of World Cup

by Sergio Miller

Bafana Bafana have qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but fans are pointing out a nostalgic absence – Zakumi. 

On Tuesday, South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, achieved what might have seemed impossible after beating Rwanda 3-0 to book their place in next year’s World Cup in the United States. 

The last time they played at the prestigious tournament was in 2010, which was the same year the country hosted the competition on home soil. 

Since then, South Africa has missed three consecutive tournaments in Brazil, Russia, and Qatar. 

Meanwhile, the recent victory has once again sparked a feeling of nostalgia as fans remember the iconic mascot Zakumi. The memorable mascot brought smiles to the faces of thousands of spectators who came to watch their team in action. 

Zakumi was first unveiled in 2008. At the time, Brand South Africa reported that it was designed and produced exclusively in South Africa. 

“His name is a combination of ‘ZA’, South Africa’s domain name, and ‘Kumi’, which means ‘10’ in several African languages,” the platform reported at the time. 

Danny Jordaan also described the friendly leopard as, “Young, vibrant, energetic, enthusiastic, sociable, self-confident and ambitious.” 

Many have now begun calling for Zakumi to come out of retirement. 

“South Africa really did a thing. 15 years and the memory of Zakumi still looms large internationally. Well done Bafana Bafana,” one person wrote. 

Another added: “Zakumi, my dear, it’s your time to shine.” 

Whether he will make a comeback remains up for discussion. With just over 200 days to go until the tournament, it remains a possibility. 

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