Hundreds of soccer fans flocked to the Johannesburg International Airport on Friday morning to welcome Bafana Bafana home.
The team’s plane touched down around 6.20am — about 30 minutes earlier than originally expected.
About 500 supporters waving flags, blowing whistles and singing Shosholoza gathered at the airport amid strong police presence.
Sports Minister Ngconde Balfour and Gauteng sport MEC Mondli Gongobele were also present at their arrival.
”To the boys — welcome home. You made us proud, we love you,” a placard said.
Another stated: ”Bafana Bafana, you’re still Number 1 in the heart of South Africans!”
The crowd shouted ”Rhu!” — Lucas Radebe’s nickname — when he and the rest of the team greeted fans from a balcony in the arrival hall.
Balfour, coach Jomo Sono, Radebe and the rest of the team then threw flowers onto the crowd thanking them for their support.
The police had to hold fans back as the team left the airport to attend a press conference in Pretoria.
Fans were then treated to a celebration of song and dance as a band and traditional dancers entertained them.
Bafana Bafana was knocked out of the first round of the Soccer World Cup in Japan and Korea after losing 3-2 against Spain on Wednesday. – Sapa