Sithembinkosi L. Jiyane
Sports Reporter
South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, will share a R5 million bonus after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The announcement was made by Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, in the team’s dressing room following their 3–0 victory over Rwanda, which secured their top spot in Group A.
McKenzie praised the players and technical team for their hard work and determination, saying they had made the nation proud.
“You’ve made the country happy, so we’ll make you happy too,” he said.
This marks Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup appearance in 16 years, their last being in 2010, when South Africa hosted the tournament. Their previous qualification before that was in 2002.
The minister also commended coach Hugo Broos for transforming the team’s fortunes, noting that critics had doubted them after their draw with Zimbabwe and a three-point deduction earlier in the qualifiers.
“They played with heart. Before Broos, the team was a laughing stock, now look where we are,” McKenzie remarked.
Meanwhile, PSL clubs are also set to benefit from FIFA’s $355 million (R6.4 billion) Club Benefits Programme, which compensates teams that release players not only for the World Cup finals but also for qualification matches.
The fund increased by nearly 70% compared to the previous cycle, is part of a new agreement between FIFA and the European Club Association (ECA).
Bafana Bafana’s qualification not only revives national pride but also signals a new era for South African football.
With renewed confidence under coach Hugo Broos and growing support from the government and local clubs, the team’s success serves as a powerful reminder that dedication and belief can restore the nation’s place on the global football stage.
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