Hugo Broos has transformed Bafana Bafana from a timid side that struggled to qualify for major tournaments into a team that has now reached three in a row, including the Africa Cup of Nations in 2023 and 2025, and this year's World Cup. The Belgian coach, appointed in 2021, ended an 11-year World Cup drought for South Africa, who last qualified in 2002 and hosted the tournament in 2010.
Qualification was not without drama. An administrative error led to South Africa forfeiting a 2-0 win over Lesotho after fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena. They were docked three points, but ultimately pipped Nigeria by one point to top the group. “It’s been an amazing journey, with a lot of good and bad moments where we had to draw strength from each other,” said captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Grouped with co-hosts Mexico, South Korea and Czechia, South Africa face a tough task to reach the knockout phase for the first time. “It will be a very good experience for our team,” Broos said. “We will learn a lot and then we will see. In football anything is possible. We will fight like we have done in recent years.”
The squad is built on teamwork rather than individual stars, with the spine including Williams, defender Khuliso Mudau, and midfielder Teboho Mokoena, described as the “glue player”. Forwards Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis are key to counterattacks, while Burnley striker Lyle Foster provides aerial prowess and hold-up play.
Broos, a former Belgium international who led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations title, has revived fan support. “People love Bafana Bafana again and they are coming to the stadium to support us,” he said. However, due to high travel costs, only 20 fans will attend the opening match against Mexico, funded by private sponsors.
