Excitement is building across South Africa as fans from all walks of life rally behind Bafana Bafana ahead of their FIFA World Cup opening match against Mexico on Thursday night.
The national team returns to football's biggest stage for the first time since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which South Africa hosted. Bafana Bafana are set to face Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 South African time. An opening ceremony featuring a host of international stars will take place ahead of the match at 19:30.
Support for the national team has been evident across the country, with schools, communities and government leaders joining in the build-up to the highly anticipated encounter.
Among those showing their support was Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile, who visited Sharonlea Primary School in Randburg to share in the pre-match celebrations.
“Every time any of our national teams represents us, we must all rally behind them. We must make sure that all the things that unite us are supported by all. We hope that our team will put their best foot forward and win; we are counted among the best as a country,” Maile said.
Messages of encouragement have also poured in from government officials and supporters on social media.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie praised the team's journey to qualification in a post on X, highlighting their resilience despite setbacks along the way.
“Your road to qualification was a pipe dream for many. Even an obstacle like having three points deducted did not stop destiny. You brought dignity to a nation after being told it was impossible. Some wrote Bafana off, but Bafana wrote themselves in. Thank you Hugo Broos and your team,” McKenzie wrote.
With anticipation reaching fever pitch, South Africans will be hoping Bafana Bafana can begin their World Cup campaign on a winning note and make a memorable return to the global stage.