President Cyril Ramaphosa has renewed his call for South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana as the national team prepares to begin its FIFA World Cup campaign in Mexico in just ten days' time.
In his weekly letter to the nation on Monday, Ramaphosa encouraged citizens to support the squad as they embark on their quest for global football glory following their historic qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Last week, the President hosted a special send-off dinner for the men's national team after they secured their first World Cup qualification since South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010.
Ramaphosa drew parallels between the team's resurgence and South Africa's own journey over the past three decades, describing both as stories of perseverance, growth and renewed optimism.
He said Bafana Bafana's return to football's biggest stage after years of challenges reflects the country's democratic progress and emerging signs of economic recovery.
The President urged South Africans to view the team's achievement as a source of national pride and unity, saying citizens should celebrate not only the players but also the strides the country has made in building a united, non-racial and non-sexist society.
"As we cheer on Bafana Bafana, we should also celebrate ourselves and how far we have come as a nation," Ramaphosa said.
The President expressed confidence that the team's World Cup journey would inspire hope and bring South Africans together as they support the national side on the international stage.