Mzansi’s football heroes are heading back to the World Cup — and Minister Gayton McKenzie is showing his appreciation in a big way.
Bafana’s Big Win Brings Back National Pride
After 16 long years, Bafana Bafana have finally reclaimed their spot on the world stage. Their emphatic 3–0 victory over Rwanda sealed their return to the FIFA World Cup — the first since South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010.
Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie couldn’t hide his excitement as he joined the players in their dressing room after the game. His message was simple: the team made South Africa proud, and now they deserve to be celebrated.
“What you’ve done today deserves recognition,” McKenzie told the squad. “You’ve made the country happy, so we’re going to make you happy.”
To back up his words, McKenzie promised R5 million in bonuses to be shared among the players and technical team.
Turning Doubt Into Determination
The journey to qualification wasn’t easy. Between point deductions and tense draws, even some loyal supporters started to worry. But through it all, Bafana Bafana showed resilience and heart — qualities McKenzie praised in his speech.
“They were doubting and laughing, but our boys played with heart,” he said. “Nigeria didn’t help us. We played our football, and we won.”
Fans across social media echoed his pride. Hashtags like #BafanaBafana and #RoadTo2026 trended nationwide as South Africans posted congratulatory messages, memes, and emotional throwbacks to the 2010 World Cup days.
One fan on X summed up the mood perfectly: “We’ve waited so long for this moment. The boys have brought back hope.”
A New Chapter Under Hugo Broos
Much of Bafana’s revival is credited to head coach Hugo Broos, who has rebuilt the team with discipline and belief. The Belgian coach, who last went to the World Cup in 1986 as a player, has restored faith in South African football.
“Before Hugo Broos became coach, Bafana were the laughing stock,” McKenzie said. “But he turned things around. I’m the happiest minister in the world right now.”
Under Broos, players like Teboho Mokoena, Percy Tau, and Khuliso Mudau have flourished, representing a new era of pride and professionalism in the national team.
Eyes On AFCON Next
With the Africa Cup of Nations(AFCON) just two months away in Morocco, the team’s momentum couldn’t come at a better time. McKenzie believes this is only the beginning of Bafana’s resurgence.
“They’ve shown the world who they are,” he said. “Now it’s about keeping that spirit alive at AFCON.”
For millions of South Africans, Bafana’s qualification is more than a sporting victory — it’s a symbol of unity and resilience. After years of disappointment, the team has given the country something powerful: hope.
As one fan put it, “Bafana didn’t just qualify for the World Cup — they reminded us how good it feels to believe again.”
First Published on: Joburg ETC
Image Source: Soccer Laduma on X
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