South Africa look to lay ghosts of 2010 to rest
South Africa have made history by reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time, yet arguably it is a feat that should have happened sooner given the country staged the tournament in 2010.
When Siphiwe Tshabalala put Bafana Bafana ahead in the opening game against Mexico 16 years ago his strike was famously lauded as a “goal for all of Africa” by one TV commentator.
It proved to be a false dawn, with the team eliminated on goal difference despite that 1-1 draw and beating France in their final outing. They became the first World Cup hosts to fail to make it out of their group and a glorious chance was passed up.
But the failure to capitalise on hosting those finals – the first held in Africa – went further, with Cape Town-based sports journalist Mark Gleeson describing domestic football as “a little bit dormant” since 2010.
“There was much excitement in the build-up to, and obviously around, 2010, but then it all went a little bit dead, combined with an economic downturn,” he told the BBC World Service.
“There are not many sponsors in the domestic game. There’s not a lot of money floating around.”
South Africa finally returned to the World Cup this year, with the national side having also missed out on the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in 2012, 2017 and 2021 during that lean period.
However, both the domestic scene and Bafana Bafana have shown signs of life in recent years.
Mamelodi Sundowns became African club champions in 2016 and claimed their second continental crown in May after finishing as runners-up last year.
“The national team qualifying for the World Cup [and] Sundowns winning the African Champions League has been a huge boost for the country,” added Gleeson.
“Hopefully this is the start of a new era for South Africa, maybe 16 years too late. This is how things should have been in 2010.”
‘He deserves a statue’ – Broos restores belief
After the failure to reach Afcon 2021, South Africa sacked Molefi Ntseki as head coach and turned to Hugo Broos, who had led Cameroon to the continental title in 2017.
The 74-year-old, a former defender who played at the 1986 World Cup for Belgium, has rebuilt the squad and guided Bafana Bafana to a third-placed finish at Afcon 2023 before securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup ahead of Nigeria.
Despite those achievements, he was criticised for his conservative tactical approach in their opener against Mexico – a repeat of the 2010 opening fixture – which they lost 2-0 after having two men sent off.
After coming from behind to draw with Czech Republic and then defeating South Korea to claim second spot in Group A, Broos said his team had shut up the “big mouths” who had called for changes.
“He deserves a statue,” added captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after their passage to the last 32 was sealed.
“He deserves the highest recognition for the belief he has shown in this team. When our backs are against the wall [and] people don’t believe in us, he is always there.”
Former national team captain Dean Furman has backed Broos’ decision to remodel the squad, even though he was one of the players discarded by the Belgian after his appointment.
“The first thing he did was get rid of the older players of the group and develop a younger team,” the former Rangers and Oldham Athletic midfielder told BBC Sport Africa.
“I never got the chance to work with him, disappointingly. But in hindsight, it was the best decision.
“What he’s done with the team, to go third place in the Afcon, qualify for the World Cup [and] get to the knockouts, I think he’s done a phenomenal job.”
A team the continent ‘can be proud of’
This is the first time Bafana Bafana have progressed beyond the World Cup group stage, having also suffered early exits in 1998 and 2002.
Yet the achievement has arrived at a difficult moment for the country.
Anti-migrant protests and violence in South Africa have prompted several other African nations to repatriate some of their citizens – although local officials have condemned the violence and insisted their country is not xenophobic.
Some on the continent even revelled in Mexico’s opening-day win at ‘hate-watch’ parties.
Williams has called on African fans to unite and put socio-political differences aside – a sentiment echoed by Furman.
“We’re always proud of our African counterparts Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana when they’ve gone on to do incredible things [at the] World Cup,” said the 38-year-old, who represented South Africa at three Afcons and also played for Bradford City, Doncaster Rovers and SuperSport United.
“Despite the political unrest in the country I’m hoping that Bafana, on the football pitch, have given the continent a team to be proud of.”
A squad galvanised
Furman also hailed Williams as an “incredible leader” in reviving the team’s fortunes following the defeat by Mexico.
“I know how deflated the boys were, and then the added scrutiny and pressure that comes with playing in a World Cup,” he added.
“Massive credit to him as captain to galvanise the team – to get the mood back in the camp and ultimately deliver the performances that have led the team to the knockouts.”
Williams is one of eight Sundowns players in the squad, with another eight from league champions Orlando Pirates.
Just seven of the 26-man party are based abroad, a fact which Furman believes points to a bright future for the domestic game.
“With this squad doing so well, there’ll be more eyes on South African players and more opportunities to get into the top leagues in Europe,” he said.
“The guys are competing on all levels. With Sundowns conquering Africa, I’m sure Pirates will look to do the same next year.”
An opportunity to progress
South Africa now face fellow knockout stage debutants Canada in the last 32, with both countries undoubtedly hoping to write another chapter in their football history.
The meeting at the Los Angeles Stadium (Sunday, 19:00 GMT) will be a first between the sides.
“I know the players will be ready again and try to achieve the third round,” said Broos.
“You will see a team that will believe and fight for the 90 minutes, and more if we have to. It should be even more historic.”
Canada’s defeat by Switzerland in their final group outing meant the tournament co-hosts lost home advantage, and Gleeson admitted it was a fantastic opportunity for South Africa to progress further.
“You have got to believe [it] is a game that South Africa have got the potential of winning,” he added.
“All of a sudden, from being outsiders and not really being given much of a chance of making it through to the knockout phase, they are perhaps staring at a possible place in the last 16.”
With Broos likely to retire from management after the finals, South Africa’s players certainly have added motivation to perform for a coach who has masterminded their return to the international game’s biggest stage.
Additional reporting by BBC Sport Africa’s Rob Stevens.
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