Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Bafana Bafana

latest news & developments
Supplied/Instagram

Pitso’s second act starts with Bafana bang

Pitso Mosimane marked his return to the Bafana Bafana dugout with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Guinea in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at Soweto's Orlando…

Relebohile Mofokeng thriving in Belgium after record move

Former Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng has hit the ground running in Belgium with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, delivering standout performances in both domestic and…

Pitso Mosimane returns as Bafana Bafana head coach

The South African Football Association has officially reappointed Pitso Mosimane as Bafana Bafana head coach, bringing back one of the continent's most decorated tacticians to…

Bafana Bafana lost their opening game to Mexico in the World Cup 2-0. (Bafana Bafana/X)

Accountable to no one - SAFA’s governance failures are stalling Bafana’s new era

Parliamentary tensions erupt as Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie demands the return of R30-million in VAR funds from SAFA while slamming wage disparity in negotiations for new…

Bafana Bafana’s historic World Cup run: Pride, progress and the need for ambition

Bafana Bafana made history at the 2026 Fifa World Cup, reaching the knockout stages for the first time and exceeding expectations. This achievement, including qualification ahead…

Bafana Bafana's victory over South Korea is about more than football; it is a lesson in believing again

Bafana Bafana's unforgettable victory over South Korea sparked joy and a renewed sense of hope across South Africa. After years of unfulfilled promise, this win signals a…

Editorial: Thank you, Bafana Bafana

Thapelo Maseko's solitary goal against South Korea has etched his name in history, as Bafana Bafana qualify for the last 32 knockout stages of the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the…

Bafana Bafana’s knockout breakthrough: Pride, caution and the long road ahead

South Africa is erupting with joy as Bafana Bafana achieve the impossible, advancing to the FIFA World Cup knockout phase. After decades of heartbreak, this moment feels like a…

Bafana Bafana make history and advance to World Cup round of 32

Bafana Bafana have made history by advancing to the World Cup knockout rounds for the first time. South Africa secured their spot with a crucial win over Korea Republic, coupled…

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 loss to Mexico in their opening game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team also saw red twice and will miss two key players for their second game. (@Bafana Bafana/X)

Bafana Bafana’s World Cup permutations: Time to fight and deliver

As South Africa’s national team, Bafana Bafana, navigates the 2026 Fifa World Cup in North America, the permutations for advancement from Group A are razor-sharp and unforgiving.…

Bafana Bafana lost their opening game to Mexico in the World Cup 2-0. (Bafana Bafana/X)

Bafana Bafana’s disappointing Fifa 2026 opener against Mexico

Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat against co-hosts Mexico in their Fifa World Cup 2026 opener at Estadio Azteca. The match, played on June 11, 2026, was controversial,…

Clubs such as Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates and Confederation of African Football (CAF) champions Mamelodi Sundowns, not forgetting the national team, Bafana Bafana, frequently emerge as victims of systemic gamesmanship.

CAF complicit in South African football suffering continental gamesmanship, often off-field

Football should reward skill, not survival of the shrewdest. South African teams offer professionalism and infrastructure that uplift the continent. Allowing gamesmanship to…

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos announced his final 26-member squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria on Wednesday. Photo: SAFA

Bafana Bafana: A squad built for more than just participation

The current squad stands out as one of the most impressive in recent memory. Its strength draws heavily from the domestic powerhouse clubs

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos. (SAFA)

Can Hugo Broos fix Bafana Bafana’s broken compass before the World Cup?

The “funeral” in the Rabat dressing room after the team’s Africa Cup of Nations defeat must serve as the birth of a stronger Bafana

Bafana Bafana came up short in their Afcon last 16 clash against Cameroon. (X)

Heartbreak in Rabat as Indomitable Lions end Bafana’s Afcon dream

In football, if you do not punish Cameroon, they eventually punish you