Following Bafana Bafana's stunning 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe on Tuesday night, the people of Free State, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis and coach Hugo Broos were highlighted among the standout acts on the night. Here's a look.
The story
South Africa claimed a convincing win over their neighbours Zimbabwe in the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the Free State Stadium.
With a crowd of more than 27,000 cheering spectators, the stunningly packed atmosphere received widespread praise from many Mzansi football lovers, with many blown away by the incredible turnout from the people of Free State.
The scenes were quite incredible, especially given that it was the first time that Bafana Bafana had played a game in Mangaung since the 2010 World Cup against France.
While Thapelo Morena grabbed a superb second-half brace to add to Iqraam Rayners' opening goal, it was Polokwane City winger Apollis who left a lot of fans raving over his performance, which was topped with an assist.
Furthermore, Mofokeng also made his Bafana debut aged just nine and he was welcomed to a standing ovation by almost 30 000 people in Bloem.
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Reacting to the match, KickOff readers made their voices heard:
"Congratulations to the people of Bloemfontein. Can SAFA please make Bloemfontein the home ground for Bafana Bafana please? Keep it up, people of Bloemfontein," says Thereshi Ngwana Badimo Leta.
"Well deserved 3 points. Congrats to Bafana Bafana and a big thank you to the people of the Free State," says Bongani Mgubela.
"I wish Rele could get more minutes but well done boys, well done Free State," says Slim Dady Slim Thamaga.
"This manager has been nothing short of great. Bafana doesn't have big-name players and yet they are very competitive for the last 24 months, it must be said. Well done to the people of the Free State for supporting the team. What could've been worse would have been being outnumbered in the stands by the opposition team in our own backyard. Well done," says Zim Mxinwa.
"The match had the spirit of a friendly game, absolutely sportsmanlike and brotherly! Zimbabweans should hold their heads high," says Leroy Ndikandika.
"The boys are very determined, everyone now knows they must work hard to play for the national team. It's a competition and a healthy one," says Athi Lingani.
"I'm not happy at all. Had we won against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, we would be in a better position on this campaign. Now we must learn to punish these small teams like Zimbabwe and Lesotho with big scores because we might need a better goal difference at the end. Good luck Bafana Bafana, proudly South African," says TatakaNqonqo Mankabane Pantsi.
"We need a replay with France, the boys have grown," says Malusi Ka Vutha Msomi.
"I will be more than happy if SAFA decides to take the Nigerian game back to the Free State. The support for that side is awesome, let's start supporting Bafana Bafana now," says Bongza Stallian.
"Mokoena kicked the ball out so that Mofokeng could be subbed on before the match was over. Great gesture by Mokoena. The crowd was calling for Rele," says Wayne Manganye.
"Hugo is doing an amazing job, I honestly didn't like him at first but he's proving his worth. Respect to the coach," says Mac Melo.
"Our football is back on track. Proudly South African," says Finally Alex
"They were the most prepared side, taking control of the flow of the game from start to finish and Thapelo Morena coming in with more pace to exhaust Zim's defence," says Mokone Otladisa.
"Credit must be given to supporters in Bloem," says Obakeng Sebatana.
"Man-of-the-match should have been Appolis. That boy was a live wire in both the first and second half. Anyway, well done boys," says Sontshikazi Mthiya. · "Hugo Broos is an example that if we can be patient with new coaches and give them an opportunity to build what they want, then we might find ourselves in a good position, Kaizer Chiefs and its fans will hopefully be patient when a new coach has been appointed. Chopping and changing of coaches is the reason why our football is going nowhere," says Football-Union Soccer Clinic.
"Priceless moment when Mokoena intentionally kicked the ball out so the last-born can be introduced," says Moeketsi Magesh Mokoena.
"This Zimbabwe team is not that bad considering it was banned by FIFA a few times without any competitive football," says Sbu George Majola.
"We are playing well. With more games together, the Ngezana and Mvala combination will be great," says William Motepe.
"This madala is good, big up to you coach," says Mothibedi Jack Sehako.
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