Bafana Bafana all-time best XI: Who makes South Africa’s ultimate tournament team? 

Over the years, South Africa has produced some of the finest players the country has ever seen but there has never been an agreement on who makes the ultimate best XI.

Bafana Bafana holds a special place in South African sporting history, a journey that began with their triumphant 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory on home soil. 

South Africa has also been to the World Cup in 1998, 2002 and 2010 with the 2026 edition set to be their fourth appearance. 

As Hugo Broos’ team prepares for the 2026 World Cup, it is perhaps the best time to look back at the incredible talent that has represented the nation since its readmission to international sport in 1992. 

Goalkeeper

Andre Arendse (67 caps)

South Africa has produced a wealth of goalkeeping talent, including Hans Vonk, Brian Baloyi, and Itumeleng Khune. However, the towering 1.91m Arendse earns the starting spot. He was a cornerstone of the 1996 AFCON-winning squad and later guided Santos to their only PSL title in the 2001/02 season.

Defenders

Sizwe Motaung (51 caps)

Affectionately known as “SOS,” Motaung enjoyed a stellar career, playing for Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Orlando Pirates. His life was tragically cut short in August 2001 at the age of 31.

Mark Fish (62 caps)

During the 1990s, South Africa boasted some of the continent’s best defenders, and Fish was a standout. The chants of “FEEEESH” from the crowd were a testament to his popularity and skill. He gets the nod ahead of other greats like Neil Tovey and Aaron Mokoena.

Lucas Radebe (70 caps)

An automatic choice, “Rhoo” was an inspirational leader for both Bafana Bafana and his English club, Leeds United. A true icon of South African football, he is the natural choice to captain this legendary side. He was part of the 1996-AFCON winning squad and captained South Africa at the 998 and 2002 World Cups. Besides his leadership, he was elegant with the ball at his feet and rarely made a wrong pass.

David Nyathi (45 caps)

Known as “Going Up,” Nyathi was a tireless left-back whose ability to surge up and down the flank was matched by his excellent technical skills. His relentless work rate and defensive prowess make him the clear choice for this position.

Midfielders

Doctor Khumalo (50 caps)

A creative force for both Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana, “16 Valve” captivated fans throughout the 1990s. Named South African Footballer of the Year in 1992, he had brief spells abroad before returning to his beloved Amakhosi. Khumalo also played a part in the 1996-AFCON win and featured at the 1998 World Cup.

Thabo Mngomeni (37 caps)

Beating out stiff competition from the likes of Teko Modise and Reneilwe Letsholonyane, “Jah Man” takes his place in the heart of midfield. Though he earned fewer than 50 caps, his influence and phenomenal ability during his prime were undeniable.

John Moshoeu (73 caps)

A classy and brilliant attacking midfielder, “Shoes” was another key member of the 1996 AFCON heroes. After a successful stint in Turkey with Fenerbahce, he returned to South Africa, playing professionally until the age of 42. He sadly passed away from cancer in 2015.

Steven Pienaar (61 caps)

Exquisite on the ball, “Schillo” was a versatile midfielder who could dominate from any position. After starting at Ajax Amsterdam, he played for Borussia Dortmund before achieving legendary status with Everton in the English Premier League.

Forwards

Phil Masinga (58 caps)

“Chippa” etched his name into history by scoring the iconic goal that secured Bafana Bafana’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA World Cup in 1998.

Benni McCarthy (80 caps)

No all-time Bafana XI would be complete without its leading goalscorer. With 31 goals to his name, McCarthy remains the nation’s most prolific striker, a record that has stood since his final international goal in 2008.