‘What a great time to be alive!’ Chiefs legend Khune delighted to witness Bafana’s triumph

South Africa legend Itumeleng Khune is delighted to have witnessed Bafana Bafana qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Hugo Broos' men defeated Rwanda 3-0 in Group C as Nigeria trounced Benin 4-0 to hand Mzansi the top position in the pool. The Super Eagles finished second, but still have a chance to battle for the ticket in the play-offs scheduled in March 2026.

Kaizer Chiefs legend Itumeleng Khune, who was in goal in 2010 when the country hosted the prestigious global competition, is elated to see the national team qualifying despite the points deduction by FIFA following the fielding of the suspended Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March.

He has further lauded coach Broos for remaining focused despite the anxieties about the team, especially after the sanction. 

What a great time to witness such greatness!

“What a great time to be alive. What a great time to witness such greatness of the current generation of Bafana Bafana players,” he said during his analysis at SABC.

“They have made the country proud, and obviously the table, Bafana Bafana did themselves a favour, making sure they go all out, they focus on the results, they win all their matches.

“Yes, we almost had a setback by being deducted three points and three goals, but the boys kept on believing. And even the coach kept on telling us as a nation, don’t worry, we are booking our ticket, and we’re going to the United States.”

Bafana Bafana will now start preparations for the 2025 AFCON that will be played in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. They have been placed in Group B alongside Angola, Egypt, and Zimbabwe.