Themba Zwane, the influential Mamelodi Sundowns star and Bafana Bafana vice-captain, has expressed his feelings after watching South Africa clinch their ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the first time the team has qualified outright since 2002.
Hugo Broos’ side beat Rwanda 3-0 at the Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday to finish as Group C leaders after entering the final phase of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in second position. They ended the campaign a point clear at the top of the table with Nigeria second, while Benin settled for third spot despite leading the group before Tuesday’s matches.
Orlando Pirates stars Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, and Evidence Makgopa were on target to hand South Africa a convincing victory.
BAFANA DEFYING ODDS STACKED AGAINST THEM TO QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP
It was a remarkable end to the qualification bid for Bafana, whose quest was threatened by the three points docked from them by FIFA for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena.
Bafana also has injury issues and a suspension to overcome going into the final camp to face Zimbabwe and Rwanda. The likes of Iqraam Rayners, Lyle Foster, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Ime Okon and Relebohile Mofokeng were unavailable for selection.
Zwane, a key member of Broos’ side, together with his Mamelodi Sundowns teammate Grant Kekana, were ruled out with injuries. But Bafana managed to defy all that even after last Friday’s 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe, which threatened to derail their qualification ambitions.
‘It’s happiness overall. It’s always good to see the country so happy. The boys did their job very well and we are so happy as a country,” said Zwane on SuperSport TV.
“The message to South Africans is that the guys are doing well, obviously we want to see them happy, and we will do our best as a team and make sure that we make them happy all the time.”
Before starting to prepare for the World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico, Bafana have the 2025 AFCON finals to focus on.
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