Fresh off their best-ever FIFA World Cup performance, Bafana Bafana have already set their sights on a new target – qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The national team arrived at OR Tambo International Airport early on Thursday morning to a heroes’ welcome after reaching the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time in the country’s history.
Check the latest World Cup odds with Sportingbet
South Africa’s memorable campaign ended in the Round of 32 with a 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Canada, but the team’s performances have sparked renewed optimism for the future.
READ | Bafana Bafana arrive home without Orlando Pirates star
Ronwen Williams sets next objective
Captain Ronwen Williams said there would be little time to dwell on the World Cup as the squad’s attention now shifts to securing qualification for the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania.
The goalkeeper believes the experience gained on football’s biggest stage will stand Bafana Bafana in good stead as they embark on their next international challenge.
As a reminder, South Africa have been drawn in Group D for qualification for the tournament, alongside co-hosts Kenya, Guinea and Eritrea.
The top two sides in each of the 12 groups will secure places at AFCON 2027.
Kenya are guaranteed a place, meaning Bafana Bafana just need to finish ahead of Guinea and Eritrea.
A look at the latest FIFA rankings show that Guinea are ranked 81st and Eritrea 184th.
Meanwhile, South Africa are 54th and Kenya 109th.
Heroes’ welcome at OR Tambo
Hundreds of jubilant supporters gathered at OR Tambo International Airport to welcome the squad home.
Fans waved South African flags, sang songs and cheered as the players and coaching staff made their way through the arrivals terminal following their return from North America.
The reception reflected the pride many South Africans felt after Bafana surpassed expectations at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Hugo Broos praises supporters
Head coach Hugo Broos thanked supporters for the warm reception, saying he was touched by the turnout.
The Belgian coach said seeing so many fans at the airport demonstrated the growing connection between the national team and its supporters.
Broos has repeatedly spoken about building a team capable of consistently competing at the highest level, and South Africa’s World Cup performance has strengthened belief that Bafana are moving in the right direction.
With their World Cup campaign now behind them, the focus shifts to the road to AFCON 2027 as Bafana look to build on the momentum generated by their historic run on the global stage.