Bafana Bafana have done it. For the first time in over two decades, South Africa will return to football’s grandest stage — the FIFA World Cup. A confident 3-0 win over Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday, 14 October, sealed Hugo Broos’s side a place at the 2026 tournament.
Despite the uncertainty leading into their final qualifier, Bafana showed composure, teamwork, and determination — traits that have come to define their revival under Broos.
The South Africans wasted no time asserting dominance. Midfielder Thalente Mbatha opened the scoring early in the first half, setting the tone for a commanding display. Soon after, winger Oswin Appollis doubled the lead, sending the Mbombela Stadium crowd into a frenzy.
Appollis’s goal even had Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie high-fiving SAFA vice-president Anastasia Tsichlas in the stands — a moment that perfectly captured the country’s excitement.
In the 72nd minute, Evidence Makgopa — Appollis’s Orlando Pirates teammate — added a third with a well-placed header, cementing a dominant performance.
But even with the emphatic win, South Africa’s fate wasn’t entirely in their own hands. They needed a favour from long-time rivals Nigeria, who were playing Benin. The Super Eagles did just that, dismantling Benin 4-0 in Uyo — a result that sent Bafana Bafana through.
It hasn’t been a smooth road to qualification. Bafana dropped key points in the buildup, drawing 1-1 with Nigeria in September and 0-0 with Zimbabwe just days before the Rwanda clash. Worse yet, FIFA sanctioned SAFA after South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho despite his suspension — a costly administrative oversight.
Still, Broos’s men held firm. The Belgian coach, who took over in 2021, maintained his belief that the team could complete the mission, even when doubts arose.
“It’s amazing to me that people are starting to doubt that we can qualify,” Broos said before the final round. “For them, it’s a given that Benin will win two times… but I don’t think it will happen.”
His confidence proved justified.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Bafana Bafana’s success story is the composition of the squad. Against Rwanda, every starting player was based in South Africa — a testament to the growing quality of the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
While some key names like Lyle Foster (England) and Siyabonga Ngezana (Romania) missed out due to injury and suspension respectively, the locally based players stepped up in spectacular fashion.
From Ronwen Williams’s leadership and shot-stopping in goal, to Mokoena’s composure in midfield, to Appollis’s flair and finishing — this was a triumph born from domestic talent and teamwork.
Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup marks a major milestone for Hugo Broos and South African football. It’s the culmination of a rebuild focused on discipline, structure, and faith in local players.
For fans, it’s a reminder of what’s possible when belief, development, and execution align. For Broos, it’s the crowning moment of his Bafana Bafana tenure so far.
And for the players — it’s a dream realized.
As the final whistle blew in Mbombela, the celebrations weren’t just about beating Rwanda. They were about redemption, resilience, and rewriting the story of South African football on the world stage.
Next stop: the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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