Watch VideoMadlanga Commission throws weight behind Bafana Bafana’s Fifa World Cup dream

Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams and his Bafana Bafana troops. The Madlanga Commission has thrown its full judicial weight behindBafana Bafanaas South Africa’s national football team prepare to kick off their2026 FIFA World Cupcampaign against tournament hosts Mexico on Thursday night. In an official statement issued on Thursday morning, Commission chairpersonJustice Mbuyiseli Madlangarevealed that members of the inquiry were all wearing Bafana Bafana jerseys to mark the historic opening day of South Africa’s World Cup journey and demonstrate their unwavering support for the national side.

“As you all see, today we, the entire Commission, are donning the Bafana Bafana jersey,” Madlanga announced. “Since today marks the opening of Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, it is only fitting to show them our support. We trust that they will do well.” The high-profile commission — which is currently investigating deeply rooted allegations of criminality, political interference, and corruption within the country’s criminal justice system — used the morning proceedings to encourage national unity as South Africans rally behind Hugo Broos’ men on the global stage.

Madlanga also shared a light-hearted anecdote involving fellow commissioner Sandile Khumalo, who had originally planned to attend the showpiece in Mexico before the commission’s operational term was officially extended. The chairperson thanked Khumalo and other dedicated commission members for the personal sacrifices they have consistently made in carrying out the intensive inquiry’s national mandate. Returning to the football, Madlanga urged the public to unite behind the national squad as the 2010 World Cup hosts begin their modern quest on the world’s grandest sporting stage.

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“I urge all South Africans to support our team,” he said. “Bafana Bafana, pull out all the stops and make us proud.” Bafana Bafana are scheduled to kick off the entire global tournament at the iconic, intimidating Estadio Azteca in Mexico City at 9 pm SA time tonight. Following the blockbuster curtain-raiser against the hosts, South Africa’s Group A campaign will see them face off against South Korea and Czechia.

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