Bafana Bafana squad/ Picture: Instagram
Out of the many national sports teams representing South Africa, Bafana Bafana has been one of the most criticised teams due to their constant poor performances in both the continent and global competitions. The team has since turned things around established a winning culture, and managed to qualify for the AFCON 2025 without having played a single game.
It might be safe to say it is a new dawn and a new day for South Africa’s soccer team and it is only upward from here as Bafana Bafana look forward to prepping for the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 tournament. This is particularly exciting for the team as they pulled off an unforgettable performance at this year’s showing, finishing third overall after a thrilling loss against African giants Nigeria. South Sudan’s 3-2 upset against Congo Brazzaville secured Bafana Bafana’s spot in AFCON’s group stages, and will now battle it out with Uganda for first position in Group K.
Bafana Bafana have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations without kicking a ball after South Sudan beat Congo this afternoon!!!!!!#BafanaPride#AfconQualifier pic.twitter.com/hxliZm6Z4H
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) November 14, 2024
Despite Bafana Bafana being given a chance to breathe a sigh of relief, head coach Hugo Broos has emphasised that the goal post has not shifted for the highly focused team as they aim to finish at the top of their table, to give them peace of mind about their standing when coming into the tournament. The focus for the team is to continue with energy they have had throughout the year, which has led them to one of the more successful seasons we have seen from the boys in green and gold.
“We want to win the game; we want to win to end top of the group and that means we have to beat Uganda. So (qualifying) does not change anything for us. I hope that it will be a nice game and a good game. It will be a full house, and there will be a lot of atmosphere inside the stadium. This is motivation for the players and let us hope that the best team wins today,” coach Hugo says.
As we all know, South Africans do not need to be told to celebrate their national teams as patriotism appears to be embedded in mzansi culture. Internet users have taken the time to congratulate Bafana Bafana, expressing their unwavering support for the team as they prepare to take on Uganda in their next outing.
We win even when we’re not playing. Being South African is so hard 🇿🇦 https://t.co/RbKcYPYpIo pic.twitter.com/qRHa4SC9gs
— Lesilo Rula (@kay_mahapa) November 14, 2024
Also see: Rachel and Siya reunite at Kolisi Foundation event in UK, internet reacts – ‘There’s hope’
