From Ramaphosa, McKenzie to Pitso, how Mzansi reacted to Bafana’s World Cup qualification

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From Ramaphosa, McKenzie to Pitso, how Mzansi reacted to Bafana’s World Cup qualification

President Cyril Ramaphosa led the celebrations following Bafana Bafana’s World Cup qualification on Tuesday.

South Africa beat Rwanda 3-0 at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday, and with Nigeria thrashing Benin 4-0, they sealed the direct ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

There was ecstasy in the stadium following the win but off it, it was equally song and dance among South Africans.

Leading the celebrations was President Ramaphosa, who posted a clip on social media, enjoying the moment while he was airborne headed to an international summit.

President Ramaphosa with special message

“Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on securing South Africa’s place in FIFA World Cup 26,” Ramaphosa posted on social media.

“We look forward to our flag flying in Mexico, the United States and Canada among the banners of the world’s most skilled and motivated footballers.

“Well done to everyone on the pitch, on the bench and in the boardrooms who made this qualification a moment of pride.”

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie was in the stadium and he was among those who cheered loudly at the cameras at fulltime.

Gayton McKinzie gives Hugo Broos his flowers

“Before the coach came to South Africa, Bafana Bafana were a joke. We would make jokes about them, they were the laughing stock and that is why I called them and said, leave this man let him choose his people,” McKenzie said of coach Hugo Broos.

“I have my favourite team, he is not taking my players but it is not about the teams, it is about his strategies. Today, he has gone 20 games without losing, that is a record. Today, he has made us the happiest ever. He has taken us where no coach has ever taken us.”

SAFA boss Danny Jordaan was ecstatic after the victory, lauding coach Broos for doing his homework well.

“No ifs and buts, we have qualified top of the group. We will pack our bags and we are ready. They worked hard during the week. Broos analysed Rwanda very well and we outplayed them. We are deserved winners,” he said.

Pitso and Sundowns celebrate the stars

Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane, who was assistant when South Africa last played at the World Cup, also weighed in.

“Thank you coach Hugo, Helman, Technical Team and our players who really gave a gallant fight throughout the qualifiers. Participation of our local teams in the semifinals of Caf Champions League and Confederation Cup has added value to our National Teams,” Mosimane posted on X.

Mamelodi Sundowns, who had five players in the starting XI, also congratulated Bafana Bafana, same as Orlando Pirates, whose players scored all the three goals.

“Bafana Bafana to the world. Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! The entire Nation is proud of you,” Sundowns posted on social media.

How did Pirates revel in the moment?

“Bafana’s Bucs Brigade at the heart of history,” Pirates captioned their report.

South African Airways, who might be flying the team and its fans to North America next year, also had a special message.

“What a night! Our crew was right there on the pitch to witness Bafana Bafana’s incredible victory. Congratulations to the team for flying the South African flag high, a proud moment for the nation,” the airline posted on social media. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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