President Cyril Ramaphosa says Bafana Bafana heads into the FIFA World Cup carrying the expectations and unity of “62 million South Africans,” as the country rallies behind the squad ahead of their opening match against Mexico.
Ramaphosa framed the team’s participation as more than sport, describing it as a moment of national identity and collective hope.
“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament,” Ramaphosa said.
The President said the figure reflects not only population scale but national sentiment, positioning the team as a unifying symbol in a country marked by diversity and shared aspiration.
“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance,” he said.
“We will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.”
Ramaphosa said Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup stage, their first since South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010, represents a broader national moment of renewal.
He praised the efforts of players, coaching staff, the South African Football Association, leagues, clubs and sponsors, saying their work had helped restore competitiveness to national football.
“The efforts of all the players in qualifying for the tournament deserve credit and recognition,” he said.
The President linked the team’s journey to South Africa’s democratic progress, saying the squad reflects the country’s constitutional values of “respect, tolerance, fairness and inclusivity.”
“Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for,” he said.
He also invoked South Africa’s post-1994 unity narrative, referencing the 1995 Rugby World Cup as an example of sport’s power to unify the nation.
While urging public support, Ramaphosa also set clear expectations for performance.
“As I told the Bafana Bafana squad last week, the people of South Africa expect them to bring the trophy home,” he said.
However, he added that the significance of their participation extends beyond results, describing it as a symbol of national confidence and resilience.
“Regardless of how Bafana Bafana fare in the tournament, their participation is as rich with meaning as the 1995 Rugby World Cup,” he said.
Ramaphosa called for national unity behind the team:
“One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream.”
IOL News
