South Africa is celebrating a long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage after Bafana Bafana sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. For the first time since 2002, the national team will join the world’s elite — and the reaction from former stars has been both emotional and pointed.
Two of Bafana’s former forwards Lehlohonolo Majoro and Simphiwe Shabalala, have praised the team’s achievement while underlining the responsibility that comes with it. Both believe this moment can serve as a springboard not only for the national side, but for the wider football ecosystem in South Africa.
Majoro, known for his directness on and off the pitch, credited coach Hugo Broos’s stability and consistency for Bafana’s resurgence.
“It shows that football in South Africa is evolving. For the first time in a long time, we have a coach in Hugo Broos who has remained true to himself,” said Majoro. “He has a core group of players he trusts, changing only one or two — a method used by teams like Brazil and Spain. We finally have a foundation.”
That continuity, Majoro believes, has brought sustainability that’s been missing for decades.
“Having the same players since Broos started shows stability,” he said. “Qualifying for the World Cup will inspire a new generation — young footballers who’ve never seen their country play on the biggest stage.”
Majoro also emphasised the importance of building a long-term football structure that can reach the grassroots level.
“If we understand what’s expected at national level, it becomes easier to take that structure down to schools and academies,” he explained. “The most important thing is our foundation.”
He drew a telling comparison to South African rugby’s model of player development.
“When you spot talent early, it becomes easier — just like rugby has been doing, and they’re doing it fantastically. Maybe one day we can sit down with the rugby guys and learn how they do it.”
While Majoro focused on structure and sustainability, Shabalala — the scorer of that iconic goal against Mexico in 2010 — spoke about pride, unity, and opportunity.
“The World Cup is the highest form of competition in our sport,” said Shabalala. “The team now has a chance to compete against the best in the world — something every player dreams of.”
For him, the qualification represents more than a ticket to North America; it’s a chance to reignite national unity.
“It gives us, as a nation, a chance to keep backing the team. Every nation there has earned its place — the stakes are high, and everyone brings their best. It’s where players truly want to be tested.”
Shabalala couldn’t resist a nostalgic nod to the 2010 opener against Mexico — and perhaps a bit of unfinished business.
“I don’t know if we’ll play them again, but if we do, hopefully we can settle that score,” he said with a smile.
For Bafana, the next challenge is to carry this momentum into the global arena. For South African football, as Majoro put it, the task is clear:“Do it like the rugby guys.”
