South Africa’s FIFA World Cup dream is alive after Bafana Bafana stunned South Korea 1-0 to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament for the first time in the nation’s history.
Few gave Hugo Broos’ men a chance of progressing after a difficult start to their Group A campaign. Bafana opened the tournament with a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Mexico before battling to a 1-1 draw against Czech Republic, leaving qualification hanging by a thread.
With their backs against the wall, South Africa needed nothing less than victory against a South Korean side that had already shown its quality throughout the group stage. Against the odds, Bafana delivered a disciplined, courageous and determined performance to secure a famous victory and write a new chapter in South African football history.
Among the standout performers was Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng, who justified his inclusion in the starting line-up with one of the finest performances of his young career.
Speaking to Sporty TV after the historic victory, the 21-year-old was emotional but insisted the achievement belonged to the entire squad rather than any individual.
“Congratulations, not me alone. It’s me and the guys. I feel very proud of ourselves. I feel very excited. I feel very emotional, but above all I’m very happy for us and for the country, improving South African football.”
Mofokeng praised the fighting spirit that has carried Bafana through one of the toughest groups at the tournament.
“I think we did very well. We fought from the start until the end, and we’ll keep on fighting until the end. I’m very proud of the guys. They fought very well.”
The performance also marked a significant milestone in the youngster’s international career. Asked whether it was one of the best displays of his career, Mofokeng admitted it ranked among his finest but believes there is still plenty of room for improvement.
“Yeah, it’s one of my best games at the highest level. But I must keep improving, keep learning from my mistakes and keep improving. There’s no other way. If you’re a player, you have to improve all the time.”
He added that competing on football’s biggest stage offers the perfect opportunity to grow.
“Here we’re playing against the best. If you can compete with the best, you’re probably going to be the best.”
Making one of his few starts for Bafana in a must-win World Cup fixture brought immense pressure, but the Vaal-born star revealed that representing the nation was all the motivation he needed.
“It was very difficult from the start. But we’re not only carrying the team—we’re carrying the country. Everything comes behind us.”
The attacker then delivered a passionate message that perfectly captured the mood inside the South African camp.
“We’re going to fight for our country because if we don’t fight for our country, no one’s going to fight for our country.”
With the historic qualification secured, South Africa’s attention now turns to the Round of 32, where they will face Canada on 28 June in Inglewood.
Despite making history, Mofokeng insists Bafana have no intention of being satisfied with simply reaching the knockout stages.
“We have the same mentality, the same work rate and the same passion. We have the whole week to prepare, and we’re going there to win. The result is not in our hands, but we’re going there to win.”
South Africa have already defied expectations by recovering from an opening defeat to Mexico and a draw against Czech Republic to reach the knockout rounds. Now, inspired by a fearless new generation led by Mofokeng, Bafana believe their World Cup story is only just beginning.
The message from Mofokeng is clear: South Africa are not finished fighting.
Written by: Sandile Ndumo
