President Cyril Ramaphosa has thrown his full support behind Bafana Bafana as South Africa prepares for its first FIFA World Cup in 16 years. At a send-off dinner in Pretoria on May 27, he told the squad he has “full confidence” they will make the nation proud in North America.
The event at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guest house doubled as the unveiling of coach Hugo Broos’ final 26-man squad and was held under the theme “United by Hope, Driven by Pride”. Addressing players and officials, Ramaphosa said the entire country would rally behind the team in Mexico, the United States and Canada.
“I want to applaud you and wish you well on your journey to go and do battle in the United States, Mexico and Canada, and we do have full confidence that you’re going to bring the cup back,” he said.
He added that the team carries the hopes of 62 million South Africans. During the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour at the Union Buildings in January, Ramaphosa joked that he expected the trophy to return to Pretoria after the tournament.
Bafana Bafana secured qualification with a 3-0 win over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium in October 2025, topping Group C and ending a 16-year absence since hosting the 2010 World Cup. Ramaphosa called it “a moment of national pride” and “a symbol of South Africa’s resilience and unity”. Cabinet also congratulated the team, noting this was the first time South Africa qualified through matches since 2002.
Orlando Pirates contributed 8 players to Broos’ squad, with Mamelodi Sundowns adding 7. The squad includes captain Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Themba Zwane, Lyle Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng. Ramaphosa told the players they had already made history and urged them to aim higher: “As a team, you have already made history by qualifying for the first time in more than twenty years. Now we want to see you lift that trophy.”
The 2026 World Cup will be the first with 48 teams and co-hosted by three countries. South Africa opens against Mexico in Mexico City on June 11, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said qualification had restored credibility to the Bafana brand. FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the return, saying “we can’t wait to see you at the tournament”.
For many South Africans, the dinner marked the symbolic start of the journey to North America. “South Africa stands as one behind Bafana Bafana. United by hope. Driven by pride. And ready to cheer the boys all the way,” Ramaphosa said.
