The populace of the world's most successful football nation – Brazil, has given Bafana Bafana a standing ovation for their gallant efforts at the AFCON.
Bafana have landed back in South Africa with hanging bronze medals after defying the odds to reach the semi-finals where they were unfortunate to be knocked out on penalties by Nigeria.
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Hugo Broos' men have been welcomed back as heroes and will now be cruising into the top 10 on the continent again after what was the senior national team's best finish at the tournament in 24 years.
Bafana also pocketed USD2,5 million (approx. R47 million) for their efforts.
"When Bafana went to the tournament, there was so much negativity attached to this team that we also felt here," says retired Brazilian winger Camilo Freitas who had a stint with Orlando Pirates in 1988.
"But then look where the team is now because of this tournament.
"This Bafana success must not be underestimated because it brings back the team to global significance.
"Even here in Brazil, we are back taking notice of Bafana for the first time since the 2010 World Cup when Carlos Alberto Parreira was the head coach.
"This where Bafana Bafana belongs because some of us here relate to this team having played in South Africa before.
"I always take pride in Bafana doing well because I have never stopped talking about my time in South Africa up to this day 36 years later.
"This team deserves the credit for restoring the pride of a nation that should be among the best in Africa.
"Based on what we saw of the team and despite ultimately not lifting the trophy, Bafana were the most impressive team at the AFCON.
"We are feeling Bafana's success out here in Brazil.
"These are the days when you want to be wearing the shirt of Bafana here in Brazil and have people asking you what team this is and then 'you proudly tell them that this is Bafana Bafana'.
"The power of a Bafana team that is doing well is that it goes across oceans just like now," says Freitas.
Another Brazilian who previously worked in South Africa, Julio Cesar Leal, was also quick to take notice of what happened in Cote d'Ivoire.
"I say congratulations to Bafana Bafana for getting the bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations.
"May you please carry on doing it like this because we are always following the progress," Leal tells KickOff.com.
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Leal had coaching stints with AmaZulu, Moroka Swallows, Orlando Pirates, and Polokwane City.
Two other Brazilians who previously worked in South Africa, Pio Noguiera and Vinicius da Silva also stood up to salute Bafana for what they did at the AFCON.