Every Bafana Bafana World Cup squad: The full player lists from 1998, 2002 and 2010

The excitement in Mzansi regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup is high following Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the first time since 2010 when they hosted it.

The 2010 edition is historic since it was the first time the prestigious global competition was played on Africa soil. Spain won that edition after beating the Netherlands in the final by a solitary goal.

Since then, Bafana Bafana failed to make the subsequent editions until Hugo Broos delivered the ticket for the 2026 tournament to be co-hosted the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Algeria, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the other teams that will represent the continent.

Apart from the current crop of players who have delivered the 2026 World Cup ticket, do you remember the squad that reprresented Mzansi in the initial three editions the country competed?

The 1998 squad

South Africa defied the odds to qualify for the competition that was hosted by France. Interestingly, Bafana Bafana were coached by Frenchman Philippe Troussier who had replaced caretaker tactician Jomo Sono who played a crucial role in helping the nation to qualify.

Unfortunately, goalkeeper Andre Arendse was injured just before the start of the competition. Paul Evans, who replaced him, was also ruled out for the same reason, paving the way for Simon Gopane, who was a third-choice shot-stopper.

The full squad

Goalkeepers: Hans Vonk (Heerenveen), Brian Baloyi (Kaizer Chiefs), Paul Evans (SuperSport United), Simon Gopane (Bloemfontein Celtic)

Defenders: Themba Mnguni (Mamelodi Sundowns), David Nyathi (St. Gallen), Willem Jackson (Orlando Pirates), Mark Fish (Bolton Wanderers), Lucas Radebe (Leeds United), Pierre Issa (Marseille)

Midfielders: Quinton Fortune (Atletico Madrid), Alfred Phiri (Vanspor), Helman Mkhalele (Kayserispor), Doctor Khumalo (Kaizer Chiefs), Lebohang Morula (Vanspor), William Mokoena (Manning Rangers)

Attackers: Phil Masinga (Bari), Shaun Bartlett (Cape Town Spurs), John Moshoeu (Fenerbahce), Brendan Augustine (LASK Linz), Delron Buckley (VFL Bochum), Jerry Sikhosana (Orlando Pirates), Benni McCarthy (Ajax)

Bafana Bafana’s 2002 squad

Four years later, Jomo Sono was in charge as Bafana Bafana returned to the global scene. The tournament was co-hosted by Korea and Japan.

Having managed just two points in their debut, the legendary South African tactician was keen on helping South Africa perform better in the 2002 edition. It explains the selection that was made by the technical team.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers: Hans Vonk (Heerenveen), Andre Arendse (Santos Cape Town), Calvin Marlin

Defenders: Cyril Nzama (Kaizer Chiefs), Bradley Carnell (VfB Stuttgart), Aaron Mokoena (Beerschot), Jacob Lekgetho (Lokomotiv Moscow), Pierre Issa (Watford), Lucas Radebe (Leeds United), Tha

Midfielders: MacBeth Sibaya (Jomo Cosmos), Quinton Fortune (Manchester United), Thabo Mngomeni (Orlando Pirates), MacDonals Mukansi (Lokomotiv Sofia), Bennett Mnguni (Lokomotiv Moscow), Jabu Pule (Kaizer Chiefs), Teboho Mokoena (St. Gallen) Sibusiso Zuma (Copenhagen), Delron Buckley (VfL Bochum), Steven Pienaar (Ajax)

Forwards: Siyabonga Nomvethe (Udinese), Benni McCarthy (Porto), George Koumantarakis (Basel)

The historic 2010 edition squad

Under Jomo Sono, Bafana Bafana won their first game in the 2002 World Cup, ending up with four points in a pool that had Spain, Paraguay and Slovenia.

South Africa failed to qualify for the 2006 edition but got an automatic ticket for the 2010 campaign in Mzansi. SAFA wanted to ensure they made a statement to replace Carlos Alberto Parreira, who had struggled in recent months.

The South American tactician was under massive pressure to deliver in front of thousands of home supporters.

Here is the full squad he selected

Goalkeepers: Moeneeb Josephs (Orlando Pirates), Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Shu-Aib Walters (Maritzburg United)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (Mamelodi Sundowns), Tsepo Masilela (Maccabi Haifa), Aaron Mokoena (Portsmouth), Anele Ngcongca (Genk), Matthew Booth (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lucas Thwala (Orlando Pirates), Bongani Khumalo (SuperSport United), Siyabonga Sangweni

Midfielders: MacBeth Sibaya (Rubin Kazan), Lance Davids (Ajax Cape Town), Siphiwe Tshabalala (Kaizer Chiefs), Steven Pienaar (Everton), Teko Modise (Orlando Pirates), Reneilwe Letsholonyane (Kaizer Chiefs), Kagisho Dikgacoi (Fulham), Surprise Moriri (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thanduyise Khuboni (Golden Arrows).

Forwards: Katlego Mphela (Mamelodi Sundowns), Bernard Parker (Twente), Siyabonga Nomvethe (Moroka Swallows)