Cape Town shows belief in Bafana

Published on

There is something special brewing with Bafana Bafana and it was showcased perfectly at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Tuesday, writes Dylan Johnson.

Despite a 2-1 defeat to Panama, spirits were high. South Africa are going to the World Cup. They have a talented squad and they will recreate the magic of 2010’s spectacle with a tournament opener against the hosts Mexico in their capital.

When leaks of the new Bafana Bafana away kit started circulating on WhatsApp groups, the hype began building. The dark green colour scheme, with its trim and pattern, along with the Adidas Originals badge placed next to the SAFA logo and iconic Protea, signalled that, for the first time in 16 years, fans are preparing to watch Bafana on the world’s biggest stage.

Was it fake? Was it just rumours? Would Bafana really wear these beautiful designs?

AFRICA PICKS: Football tips and predictions

It went to another level after their release. Friends sent pictures in the new kit, sharing the yellow strip or the green – it was a tough decision. Getting your hands on one, trying it on and heading to watch your country play, regardless of the opposition, still gives you goosebumps.

Pre-match rituals. Sitting with friends and having a drink. Getting to the stadium two hours early, you could feel the excitement, the joy. There was no tension in the air, no stress or frustration. Bafana were playing in Cape Town, they were preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. What is there to be worried about?

The crowd was ready and the atmosphere was electric outside the gates and in the stands. The songs, whistles and cheers of joy were all there. A sellout Cape Town stadium, something usually reserved for the Springboks, was now all about Bafana.

The privilege of celebrating our national side in the Mother City is not a common occurrence. This was just the 13th match played by Bafana in Cape Town since 1992; this clash against Panama was only the third in over a decade.

Despite the result going to Panama, the performance was an afterthought. Moments of magic defined Tuesday’s action. A crowd singing the anthem in unity. Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s return from the MLS, and a passionate celebration after scoring a stunning strike for his first international goal.

These are the moments that bring a team together.

ASLO: Africa ready as World Cup groups set

It was Hugo Broos’ first defeat on home soil. It was a disappointing result, but there is much to be positive about. Sport is about winning, but it is also about appreciating the moment and understanding that final scores can be forgotten – experiences live with you forever.

A win would have been wonderful, more goals would have been great. But the occasion provided what it needed to. There were no cries of agony or whistles of dissatisfaction at full-time. There was disappointment, but you could feel the unity behind this team – the crowd and country’s willingness to see them succeed.

The next time we will see our stars don the green and gold will be in Mexico City. There is work that needs to be done. Selections need to be finalised and performances need to improve, particularly in front of goal, but we can all be confident that, regardless of who gets on the plane to North America, Cape Town confirmed that the country is behind them.

Photo: Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images

Post by

Dylan Johnson