St Francis Chronicle, edited 15 October: Bafana Bafana’s outstanding 3-0 victory over Rwanda on Tuesday night secured the national soccer team a spot to compete in the 2026 Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup for the first time since 2002.
The SA Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, congratulated the Bafana Bafana team. “You did not just win a football match, you made a powerful statement about what is possible when South Africans believe, unite and fight together. Tonight, the boys played with heart, discipline and determination. This was a performance that showed maturity and pride,” the Minister said on Tuesday.
He applauded coach Hugo Broos, the technical staff, and every player for putting in hours of hard work and sacrifice to make it a reality to compete in the World Cup. “We salute you. You have given our country hope again. You have reminded us that South African football belongs on the world stage and that we are capable of greatness.
“The whole country stands behind you, Bafana. Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is only the beginning. Keep fighting, keep believing and keep making South Africa proud. Halala Bafana Bafana! We are going to North America,” McKenzie said.
He emphasised the importance investing in home-grown talent, recognising that most of the Bafana Bafana’s squad ply their trade in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), and all the players who won are based in South Africa. he added last year there were those who doubted.
“The potential of South African football is great. We are starting to see its realisation.: The minister added that is only natural to expect the best from players born in what South Africans consider to be “the greatest sporting nation on earth.” Source: SAnews
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