Mexico city: With the FIFA Soccer World Cup set to commence on Thursday, the South African government has issued a call to action for citizens to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they prepare for their opening match against Mexico.
According to South African Government News Agency, Acting Government Spokesperson Nomonde Mnukwa emphasized the importance of national support for the team. "Government calls on all South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they carry the hopes and pride of the nation onto the field at Mexico City Stadium. South Africa will face Mexico on Thursday (11 June) at 21:00pm (South African time) in the opening match of the 2026 F©d©ration Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup," Mnukwa stated on Wednesday.
Mnukwa highlighted the team's determination, discipline, and fighting spirit, urging the nation to unite by wearing team colors and supporting the players. The government encourages the public to participate in "Bafana Fridays" by donning green or gold, symbolizing national unity and pride.
The statement issued by the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) underscored football's role in fostering national unity. Mnukwa declared, "Football has the power to bring South Africans together and inspire a shared sense of national pride and unity. To Bafana Bafana: the nation stands with you. Fly the South African flag high and continue to make us proud."
Bafana Bafana has been training in Pachuca, Mexico, acclimating to the altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. The team's preparations aim to optimize performance for the opening match at the Estadio Azteca.
President Cyril Ramaphosa, in a recent newsletter, also called for national solidarity in support of the team, emphasizing the significance of their World Cup participation for the first time since 2010. "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 expressed.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from 11 June to 19 July.
