Ramaphosa rallies South Africans behind Bafana Bafana ahead of FIFA World Cup

Sports, World Cup

JOHANNESBURG, SA (NPA) — South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his weekly From the Desk of the President address on Monday, 1 June 2026, has called on the nation to unite behind Bafana Bafana as they depart for the FIFA World Cup and prepare for their opening match against Mexico.

Ramaphosa described the team as a source of inspiration: “Bafana Bafana inspire us to hope and to strive.” He urged citizens to wear team colours, fly the national flag, and show support, noting that the squad carries the best wishes of 62 million South Africans.

At a send‑off dinner hosted by the Presidency last week, the President congratulated the players and highlighted the values of camaraderie, teamwork, and sportspersonship. He credited the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association, leagues, clubs, and sponsors for their long‑term commitment to developing local football.

Ramaphosa emphasised that the diversity of the squad reflects South Africa’s unity across races, languages, and cultures, and that their participation is a reminder of the country’s transformation. He drew parallels with the iconic 1995 Rugby World Cup moment, when Nelson Mandela donned a Springbok jersey to celebrate the team’s victory, saying sport has the power to unite across barriers of geography, race, gender, and class.

“For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance. For 90 minutes, we will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag,” Ramaphosa said.

The President concluded with a rallying cry: “One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa. United by our Flag, inspired by our Team. 62 million cheering voices. One Dream.”

South Africa will begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against Mexico on 11 June, before taking on Czechia on 18 June, and concluding their group stage fixtures with a decisive clash against South Korea on 25 June.