Following their historic 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Bafana Bafana has returned home and received a warm welcome at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday, 2 July.
Bafana Bafana’s journey came to an end on Sunday after a 1 – 0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada in a last-32 match at Los Angeles Stadium.
At a media briefing, Captain Ronwen Williams expressed gratitude to South Africans for supporting the team throughout the tournament.
“Thank you everyone for your support and for this incredible welcome. To experience the unity of the country at a moment like this is amazing,” he said.
“The prayers, the support and all the well wishes that were sent our way meant so much to us as a team. We went out there carrying the support, love and belief of [millions of] South Africans.”
“It’s been a wonderful journey. When we look back at how far we’ve come as a team, especially under Coach Hugo Broos, we can be proud. This achievement at the World Cup is the cherry on top because we’ve been doing excellent work for a long time. We’re just proud and happy that the country is happy,” Williams said. The team’s coach said he was pleased with their performance during the World Cup.”
South African Football Association (SAFA) President Danny Jordaan confirmed the governing body now plans to hold discussions with the veteran Belgian coach regarding what comes next for the national team.
“We need to talk to Hugo Broos, and we will let you know after that conversation.”
