President Cyril Ramaphosa has officially received the FIFA World Cup trophy at the Union Buildings in Pretoria, marking the start of the trophy’s three-day tour of South Africa.
The ceremonial event was attended by several dignitaries, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie.
Former Bafana Bafana players Aaron Mokoena and Siphiwe Tshabalala were also present, alongside current national team captain Ronwen Williams.
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Iconic trophy
The visit forms part of a global tour celebrating football and the World Cup, offering South Africans an opportunity to see one of the most iconic trophies in world sport.
Following its appearance at the Union Buildings, the trophy will move to the Pretoria State Theatre for the second leg of the tour. It will then be showcased at the Nasrec Expo Centre on Saturday.
The tour will conclude in Cape Town on Sunday, where the final leg of the South African visit is set to take place.
The arrival of the trophy has generated excitement among football fans, with officials describing the tour as an opportunity to inspire young players and reignite national pride in the sport.
Bafana Bafana drawn in Group A
Bafana Bafana have been drawn in Group A for this year’s FIFA World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
South Africa have been drawn alongside Mexico, South Korea and an as-yet undetermined third side.
That third side will be one of Denmark, North Macedonia, Czech Republic or Republic of Ireland.
Bafana Bafana will have to wait until 31 March to learn their final group opponent.
The top two sides in each of the 12 groups, along with the eight best third-placed finishers, will progress to the Round of 32.
South Africa will play Mexico in the opening match of the tournament on 11 June at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
This year’s World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July.