President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men's football team prepares for its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.
In his weekly address to the nation, the President said the team carries the hopes and aspirations of millions of South Africans as it heads to the global tournament, where it will face Mexico in the opening match in less than two weeks.
“They bring with them the good wishes of more than 62 million South Africans, who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are participating in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010,” the president said on Monday.
The football tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Keep up with the latest headlines WhatsApp | Linkedin
He urged the entire country to support the team and celebrate the achievement of qualifying for football's biggest tournament.
“I call on all South Africans to unite behind our team and show our support. Let us wear the team colors and fly the flag.”
The President also acknowledged the efforts made in rebuilding South African football over the past few years and credited the government, football administrators, clubs, leagues and sponsors for their contribution to the development of the game.
“It has been a long and difficult journey to turn around the fortunes of Bafana Bafana. Credit must be given to the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association, the league, clubs and sponsors for their commitment to developing local football over many years. The coaches and players deserve our collective recognition.”
He said work is ongoing to professionalize football, nurture emerging talent and encourage participation in the game among youth across the country.
President Ramaphosa described the national team as ambassadors of South Africa, saying that the composition of the team reflects the country's commitment to diversity and unity.
He said, “Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for. The diversity of the squad and technical team reminds the world that we are one united nation of many races, languages and cultures.”
The President said the game's transformation reflects South Africa's commitment to the constitutional values of respect, fairness, tolerance and inclusivity.
Drawing parallels with the unifying power of sport in the country's democratic history, President Ramaphosa reflected on the iconic moment during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when former President Nelson Mandela wore a Springbok jersey to congratulate the national rugby team.
He said that while South Africans expect Bafana to lift the World Cup trophy, the team's participation in itself holds significant meaning for the country.
He said, “As I told the Bafana Bafana team last week, the people of South Africa expect them to bring home the trophy. Yet no matter how Bafana Bafana fare in the tournament, their participation is as meaningful as the 1995 Rugby World Cup.”
Read | Bafana Bafana have “the country behind them”
President Ramaphosa said the country's visit mirrors that of the national football team, adding that South Africa has emerged from a challenging period and is moving forward with renewed optimism.
“Like the national team, the country has emerged from a long period of hardship and is now looking to the future with hope,” he said.
He cited the country's democratic progress, the strength of its Constitution, the beginning of the national dialogue process and signs of economic reform as reasons for growing confidence in the future.
The President urged citizens to celebrate not only the team's achievements, but also the progress South Africa has made in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society.
The President said, “So, as we cheer on our teams in the stands, in the fan zone and in our homes, we must cheer ourselves on as a country. We must celebrate how far we have come in building a united, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa.”
He concluded by calling for unity as South Africans support the national team on the world stage.
“For 90 minutes, when they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, when they play, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.
The President said, “One team. One nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our flag, inspired by our team. 62 million enthusiastic voices. A dream.”
Bafana Bafana will face Mexico in the opening match of the tournament on 11 June 2026.