The saying success breeds more success is proving true for a rejuvenated Bafana Bafana side who are riding the crest of the wave after a string of notable victories.
Often an object of ridicule and scorn, Bafana have turned a corner and restored their pride under shrewd coach Hugo Broos.
Bafana were described as a well-oiled machine when they lit up the Cape Town stadium with a dazzling 3-0 win over South Sudan to round off their programme in 2024.
This newfound form has won over hordes of previously disgruntled fans who packed the Cape Town Stadium to cheer on their new heroes.
Though they had already qualified for Afcon before the match kicked off, Broos urged his players to end with a flourish and they responded in magnificent fashion.
Broos was impressed at how Bafana kept their focus on playing for the top spot against South Sudan and believes they can be competitive at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) and qualify for the World Cup.
Bafana will look to use their Afcon qualification as a springboard to reaching the 48-team 2026 World Cup, where they are among three teams leading Group C.
This newfound confidence bodes well for the Afcon finals in Morocco in a tournament that spans December 2025 and January 2026.
Bafana’s success has also been rewarded with notable personal accolades which underline a new upbeat mood after years of pain.
Bafana skipper Ronwen Williams, who reached a landmark 50th cap against South Sudan, was the first SA player to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or awards in October.
The South Sudan triumph was Bafana’s ninth of the year and catapulted SA to 14 points and a top-of-the-table finish in Group K.
This run bodes well for Bafana being one of the seeded teams when the draw for the 24-team finals in Morocco is conducted.
There was also more success on a personal level when Williams stole the show at the Caf Awards.
He was named the men’s interclub player and goalkeeper of the year during a glittering ceremony at the Palais des Congrès in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Long may Bafana’s success story continue!
HeraldLIVE
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