Ramaphosa: Bafana Bafana carry hopes of 62 million South Africans ahead of World Cup opener

President Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the nation ahead of the FIFA World Cup, urging unity and support for Bafana Bafana, and saying the team carries the hopes of 62 million South Africans as they prepare for their opening match against Mexico. President Cyril Ramaphosa says Bafana Bafana heads into the FIFA World Cup carrying the expectations and unity of “62 million South Africans,” as the country rallies behind the squad ahead of their opening match against Mexico. Ramaphosa framed the team’s participation as more than sport, describing it as a moment of national identity and collective hope.

“They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament,” Ramaphosa said. The President said the figure reflects not only population scale but national sentiment, positioning the team as a unifying symbol in a country marked by diversity and shared aspiration. “For 90 minutes, as they play for our country, we will not be divided by language, race, province, club or circumstance,” he said.

“We will simply be South Africans standing together behind our national team and behind our flag.” Ramaphosa said Bafana Bafana’s return to the World Cup stage, their first since South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010, represents a broader national moment of renewal. He praised the efforts of players, coaching staff, the South African Football Association, leagues, clubs and sponsors, saying their work had helped restore competitiveness to national football. “The efforts of all the players in qualifying for the tournament deserve credit and recognition,” he said. The President linked the team’s journey to South Africa’s democratic progress, saying the squad reflects the country’s constitutional values of “respect, tolerance, fairness and inclusivity.” “Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for,” he said.