Former Bafana Bafana star Siphiwe Tshabalala reflected on the moment he scored the first goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup tournament. His former teammate, Bongani Khumalo, joined him at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the same pitch the team played on 16 years ago.
Also see: Bafana veteran Simphiwe Tshabalala shows off dance moves on his 40th birthday
Siphiwe Tshabalala revisits iconic 2010 World Cup moment
In a video shared on Betway South Africa’s YouTube channel on 4 June 2026, Siphiwe, who serves as the gambling company’s ambassador, revealed that he had a hip injury that year. Although he was in severe pain, numerous scans didn’t pick up the injury. He attended physiotherapy sessions throughout the day to prepare himself for the opening match against Mexico.
Bongani asked the veteran soccer player if he remembered the moment he decided to take the shot that went down in history with the Jabulani ball, which he described as difficult to tame.
Also see: Bafana Bafana’s World Cup 2026 fixtures: when to watch and why it matters
Siphiwe told Bongani:
“As soon as the ball went to KG [Kagisho Dikgacoi], I was on my bike. He played a perfect ball. My first touch as well… great. My intention was to loop it over. Modern keepers are not line keepers. They are always off their line, but on second thought, I went for it.”
Siphiwe then reflected on the celebration moment that millions across the globe witnessed, a dance that even a young Mexican boy imitated as he waited to meet the current Bafana squad outside their hotel in Mexico.
The legendary athlete then confessed, “If you were to ask me if I can hit it again, the answer is no. I wouldn’t even attempt. It’s done.”
Bafana Bafana vs Mexico, part 2
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Bafana Bafana squad will once again take on Mexico in the opening match on 11 June, the same date 16 years prior. The pairing has already created a nostalgic moment for many soccer fans.
Also see: Bafana Bafana team welcomed with mariachi band in Mexico
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