Following Bafana Bafana's exciting exploits at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, national athletes and coaches from various other sporting codes have expressed their delight at the side's success.
Much like the Springboks did on their way to beating New Zealand to be crowned the 2022 Rugby World Cup winners, South Africa's national football team are capturing the imagination of the country, sparking hope and excitement.
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Bafana last won the prestigious continental tournament in 1996 and have put themselves in the position to potentially replicate the success of their predecessors, having made it out of the group stage despite a 2-0 loss to Mali in their opener.
The side then went on to beat Morocco in the Round of 16, and remain the only team that have been able to do so since their iconic run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Most recently, football fans across the country have been bathing in Bafana bliss and living in a Ronwen Williams wonderland after his heroics helped the side beat Cape Verde in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the semi-finals.
Whether it was their success that attracted the attention of other sporting codes, or it was the well-wishes from a list of the country's most renowned athletes including Siya Kolisi, Jesse Kriel and newly-crowned UFC champion Dricus Du Plesis.
"The whole country's behind you. We support you; we love you. You're a team that has carried the nation in so many ways. Just give everything you can," said Kolisi earlier on in the competition.
Good luck @BafanaBafana we back you 100%#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/vzTVTbpXBI
— Springboks (@Springboks) February 2, 2024
Du Plesis, meanwhile, was speaking to YNews after his iconic victory over ex-middleweight champion Sean Strickland at UFC 297. 'Stillknocks' won by split decision to become the new title-holder of the division. He also sent a message of support to his compatriots in Ivory Coast.
"I don't hope, I know they're going to make it. So, Bafana Bafana you go get it guys, and enjoy! South Africans are on top of the world right now. South Africa is bringing it," the MMA star said.
Former World-cup-winning Springbok coach Jaques Nienebar also expressed his support for the national football side, taking to social media to show that he was supporting the boys from the United Kingdom.
Well done Bafana Bafana. Supporting you from the UK. It might not be a 100 inch TV but worth every second of viewing. pic.twitter.com/BNVV5W1NlU
— Jacques Nienaber (@jacnienaber) January 30, 2024
The affect the footballing side has on the nation has transcended just sports, touching those in the political offices around the country as well.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has sent his well wishes to Bafana, sharing his desire for them to win the entire tournament. Chairperson of The Portfolio Committee on Sports, Arts and Culture, Ms Beauty Dlulane also expressed the belief she has in this 'giant-killer' South African team.
"We believe in the talent we have and the management team of Coach Hugo Broos," she said in a statement.
The team that have been labelled by some across social media as 'the amapiano boys' have made the country proud by reaching the semi-finals of AFCON 2023, and will hope to continue doing so as they prepare to take on Nigeria in a match that will decide which team progresses to the final.
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