South Africa national football team Players, Coach, FIFA Rankings, Nickname, History
The South Africa national football team is a team by the South African Football Association, the governing body for football in South Africa. The team’s nickname is Bafana Bafana, and South Africa’s home ground is the FNB Stadium, which is located in Johannesburg. The team’s biggest result was winning the African Cup of Nations at home in 1996. The team is a member of both FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Football has been played in what is now South Africa since the mid-19th century. The first national team was formed at the end of the 19th century. For most of the late 20th century, South African football experienced difficult times. South Africa was disqualified from the first African Cup of Nations tournament, in 1957, because of apartheid. In 1976, in response to worldwide outrage over the violent suppression of an anti-apartheid movement called the Soweto Uprising, the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) expelled South Africa.
Team Profile summary
Nickname: Bafana Bafana
Managed by: (SAFA) South African Football Association
Founded: 1991 Colours: Yellow, green, and white
Federation: CAF
Head coach: Hugo Henri Broos
Captain: Ronwen Williams
Most caps: Aaron Mokoena
Top scorer: Benni McCarthy
FIFA ranking: 64 (as of December 2023)
Stadium: FNB Stadium
FIFA code: RSA
South Africa national football team History
The Bafana Bafana team made its debut on the football scene through colonialism in the late 19th century, as the game was popular with British soldiers. Although the country was affected by the country’s racial segregation system, they still made it through soccer, participating in several matches afterwards.
Broos’ efforts led South Africa to a credible performance in the second round of African qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where South Africa was placed in a group with Ghana, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia. South Africa got off to a promising start, beating a weakened Ghana team 1-0 at home on matchday two to move top of the group. Africa remained top of the group until the final matchday when they lost 0-1 away to Ghana after a dubious penalty was awarded to Ghana in the first half. South Africa ultimately finished second to Ghana in goals scored, narrowly missing out on qualifying for the 10-team playoff final round to qualify for the World Cup.
Did Bafana Bafana qualify for Afcon 2022?
Unfortunately, the Bafana Bafana did not qualify for the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations. Their last appearance was in 2019 during the Quarter Finals. However, the team has successfully made three FIFA World Cup appearances, with their first attempt coming in 1994. Their last FIFA World Cup appearance was in 2006.
South Africa national football team Nickname
“Bafana Bafana” is a nickname that the fans give to the national team. It is Zulu and literally translates to “the boys, the boys.” Its actual meaning in Zulu is “Come in, boys! Come in, boys!”, although others take the dual usage of “Bafana” to mean “all the boys”: the team and management, as well as the spectators; union, as in the African concept of ubuntu.
South Africa national football team Home Stadium
The South African national football team does not use a single stadium as the home stadium for matches. Instead, they use a variety of stadiums throughout South Africa to host matches.
The largest venue used is the 94,700-seat Soccer City in Soweto, outside Johannesburg. Other frequently used venues include the Atteridgeville Super Stadium, outside Pretoria, the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, outside Rustenburg, the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
South Africa national football team Kit
From March 2014 to June 2020, the official supplier of the kit was the American sportswear company, Nike, for the international friendly match against Brazil.
Since June 2020, the official kit supplier has been the French sportswear company Le Coq Sportif.
The team now has a title sponsor, Castle Lager, a brand owned by South African Breweries. Smaller sponsors and providers include Energade and Tsogo Sun Hotels.
Who are South Africa National Football team players?
The following South African players were called up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification. Have a look.
Goalkeepers
| Name | Day of Birth | Position | Current Club |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mothwa Veli | 1991-02-12 | Goalkeeper | AmaZulu Durban |
| Vyver Lincoln | 2001-03-02 | Goalkeeper | Cape Town Spurs |
| Williams, Ronwen | 1992-01-21 | Goalkeeper | SuperSport United Pretoria |
Forwarder
| Foster Lyle | 2000-09-03 | Centre Forward | Vitória Guimarães |
| Gamildien Ruzaigh | 1989-04-04 | Left Winger | Moroka Swallows Soweto |
| Hlongwane Bongokuhle | 2000-06-20 | Centre Forward | Maritzburg United |
| Lakay Fagrie | 1997-05-31 | Centre Forward | Pyramids Beni-Suef |
| Letsoalo Victor | 1993-04-01 | Centre Forward | Royal AM Pietermaritzburg |
| Links Gift | 1998-10-02 | Left Winger | Aarhus GF |
| Mabaso Tshegofatso | 1996-10-01 | Centre Forward | Orlando Pirates |
| Maboe Lebohang | 1994-09-17 | Left Winger | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Makgopa Evidence | 2000-06-05 | Centre Forward | Baroka FC Polokwane |
| Malinga Kagiso | 1995-01-21 | Centre Forward | Moroka Swallows Soweto |
| Mkhulise, Sphelele | 1996-02-19 | Right Winger | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Phohlongo Masilake | 1997-05-05 | Left Winger | TS Galaxy Kameelrivier |
| Pule Vincent | 1992-03-10 | Left Winger | Orlando Pirates |
| Saleng Monnapule | 1998-03-13 | Left Winger | Moroka Swallows Soweto |
| Sibanyoni Thabang | 1996-01-08 | Secondary striker | Sekhukhune United |
| Singh Luther | 1997-08-05 | Centre Forward | FC København |
| Tau Percy | 1994-05-13 | Centre Forward | Al-Ahly al-Qāhira |
Defenders
| Coetzee Rivaldo | 1996-10-16 | Centre Back | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| De Reuck Rushine | 1996-02-09 | Centre Back | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Dube Thabani | 1992-11-16 | Centre Back | Kaizer Chiefs Soweto |
| Farmer Denwin | 1996-09-19 | Centre Back | Baroka FC Polokwane |
| Hlanti Sifiso | 1990-05-01 | Left Back | Kaizer Chiefs Soweto |
| Hlatshwayo Thulani | 1989-12-18 | Centre Back | Orlando Pirates |
| Mabiliso Sibusiso | 1999-04-14 | Left Back | Kaizer Chiefs Soweto |
| Maela Innocent | 1992-08-14 | Left Back | Orlando Pirates |
| Martin Craig | 1993-10-04 | Right Back | Cape Town City |
| Mashego Terrence | 1998-06-23 | Left Back | Cape Town City |
| Mobbie Nyiko | 1994-09-11 | Right Back | Sekhukhune United |
| Morena Thapelo | 1993-08-06 | Right Back | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Mphahlele Mash | 1999-09-27 | Right Back | Baroka FC Polokwane |
| Ngcobo Njabulo | 1994-05-27 | Centre Back | Kaizer Chiefs Soweto |
| Ngobeni Sifiso | 1997-02-08 | Left Back | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Sibisi Nkosinathi | 1995-09-22 | Centre Back | Lamontville Golden Arrows |
| Sibiya Vusi | 1994-06-14 | Centre Back | Baroka FC Polokwane |
| Xulu Siyanda | 1991-12-30 | Centre Back | Hapoel Tel-Aviv |
| Zuke Thabani | 1998-09-11 | Centre Back | Lamontville Golden Arrows |
Midfielders
| Blom Njabulo | 1999-12-11 | Defensive Midfielder | Kaizer Chiefs Soweto |
| Brooks Ethan | 2001-11-22 | Defensive Midfielder | TS Galaxy Kameelrivier |
| Dolly Keagan | 1993-01-22 | Attacking Midfielder | Kaizer Chiefs Soweto |
| Jali Andile | 1990-04-10 | Centre Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Konqobe Ayabulela | 1996-01-12 | Centre Midfielder | Chippa United Port Elizabeth |
| Kutumela Thabiso | 1993-07-03 | Attacking Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Maart Yusuf | 1995-07-17 | Attacking Midfielder | Sekhukhune United |
| Mbule Sipho | 1998-03-22 | Centre Midfielder | SuperSport United Pretoria |
| Mdantsane Mduduzi | 1994-12-13 | Centre Midfielder | Cape Town City |
| Modiba Aubrey | 1995-07-22 | Left Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Mokoena Teboho | 1997-01-24 | Centre Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Monare Thabang | 1989-09-16 | Centre Midfielder | Orlando Pirates |
| Motshwar, Ben | 1991-03-21 | Centre Midfielder | Orlando Pirates |
| Mvala Mothobi | 1994-06-14 | Defensive Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
| Phete Thibang | 1994-04-04 | Defensive Midfielder | Belenenses SAD |
| Sithebe Siyethemba | 1993-01-06 | Attacking Midfielder | AmaZulu Durban |
| Zwane Themba | 1989-08-03 | Attacking Midfielder | Mamelodi Sundowns |
Who are the South Africa national football team captain and coach?
The South African men’s soccer team has recruited several captains and coaches since 1992, but only one of them has led them to AFCON and World Cup glory. Below are the profiles of the coaches and captains of the Bafana Bafana. Have a look.
South Africa national football team captain
Have a look at the profile summary of South Africa’s current captain.
Profile summary
Full name: Ronwen Hayden Williams
Date of birth: 21 January 1992
Age: 30 years old (as of January 2022)
Place of birth: Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Nationality: South African
Height in feet: 6’0″
Height in centimetres: 184
Position: Goalkeeper
Current team: Bafana Bafana Team, SuperSport United
Number: 30
South Africa national football team Coach
There have been several coaches since 1992. Have a look at the profile summary of the team’s current coach.
Profile summary
Full name: Hugo Henri Broos
Date of birth: 10 April 1952
Age: 69 years old (as of Feburary 2022)
Place of birth: Humbeek, Belgium
Nationality: Belgium
Height in feet: 5’11”
Height in centimetres: 180
Current team: South Africa National Football Team
South Africa national football team world rankings
According to the latest FIFA rankings, the Bafana Bafana team is in 64th position with 1,358.24 points, just after North Macedonia, which has 1,367.23 points.
What is the highest FIFA ranking of the South Africa national soccer team? The team’s highest FIFA ranking was position 16 in 1996, while its lowest ranking was position 124 in 1992.
South Africa’s national football team trophies
Have the Bafana Bafana won any trophies since they debuted on the football scene? If they have. They won their first trophy in 1996, after being the champions of the 1996 African Cup of Nations competitions.
(1996) African Cup of Nations
(1996) FIFA Best Mover of the Year
(1997) Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
(2002, 2007, 2008, 2016 and 2021) – COSAFA Cup
The South African national soccer team has raised the optimism of its fans after qualifying for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Fans of the team are optimistic that the Bafana Bafana will prosper by bringing the Cup home.
Source: FootballArroyo.co.uk
Read Also: How to watch FIFA World cup 2022 in South Africa
