South Africa’s national football team, affectionately known as Bafana Bafana, under the guidance of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, has achieved a remarkable turnaround, qualifying for three consecutive major tournaments including the 2023 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This resurgence marks a significant departure from their previous struggles, having not reached the global showpiece in over two decades since their last appearance in 2002, prior to hosting the event in 2010.
The Broos Transformation
Appointed in 2021, Hugo Broos inherited a team that had been absent from major tournaments for an extended period. His tenure has seen a dramatic shift, transforming Bafana Bafana from a timid side to a cohesive unit capable of consistent qualification and renewed public enthusiasm. This renewed spirit is evident in the increasing attendance at matches, with Broos noting, “People love Bafana Bafana again and they are coming to the stadium to support us.”
The qualification for the 2026 World Cup was not without its drama. An administrative error led to South Africa retrospectively forfeiting a match against Lesotho, despite winning it on the field. The team was docked three points for fielding a suspended player, Teboho Mokoena. This forced a tense wait until the final group matches, where South Africa ultimately secured top spot, narrowly ahead of Nigeria by a single point.
Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams reflected on the journey, telling SABC Sport,
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