Hill Pre-Primary hallway is decorated for the World Cup.
Image: Wesley Ford
World Cup excitement swept through schools on Thursday as learners and teachers dressed in their soccer gear to support Bafana Bafana ahead of their clash against Mexico.
Hill Pre-Primary in Bishopscourt was transformed into a football-themed celebration, with hallways decorated with flags representing the countries competing in the tournament.
Goal posts and soccer balls were placed around the school, while even a teddy bear was dressed in a soccer kit.
A highlight of the day was a football-shaped piñata filled with sweets, which delighted the children.
Teacher, Lauren Ford, said the school wanted to get learners into the spirit of the tournament by decorating the halls and encouraging everyone to dress up
“We wanted to get the pupils into the soccer spirit by decorating the halls. We even did a dress-up,” she said.
The Hill Pre-Primary teachers all dressed up in their football gear to celebrate the opening of the football World Cup.
Image: Wesley Ford
Principal, Kim Lawrence, said the event formed part of the school's commitment to experiential learning.
“It is important for our children to have an experiential learning experience. We therefore brought the start and launch of the World Cup to The Hill today,” she said.
Lawrence added that the pre-primary learners were excited to get behind Bafana Bafana as the national team began its World Cup campaign.
At Sun Valley Primary School along the far South, learners showed their support by taking part in a Bafana-themed free dress-up day.
Children arrived at school dressed in South African colours, wearing Bafana jerseys, waving flags and proudly sporting green and gold to show their support for the national side.
The football spirit is set to continue at Kleinberg Primary School, where a Bafana civvies day will be held on Friday.
The Mzansi Youth Choir has joined the growing chorus of support for Bafana Bafana ahead of South Africa's opening 2026 Fifa World Cup match against Mexico.
Image: Facebook/Mzansi Youth Choir
The Mzansi Youth Choir has also added its voice to the growing wave of support.
The internationally recognised choir shared a spirited video of members singing, chanting and dancing as they sent a message of encouragement to the national team ahead of its opening Group A clash.
"Our boys! We have put our trust in you. We want you guys to bring it home. Bring it home," the choir said in the clip.
In the caption, they added: "Wishing Bafana Bafana the very best of luck as they kick off their first match in Mexico! Make the nation proud, play with passion and give it your all. South Africa is behind you every step of the way. Go Bafana Bafana!"
Founded in Soweto in 2003, the Mzansi Youth Choir began as a youth development project aimed at creating opportunities for talented young people.
Over the years, it has grown into a global success story while continuing to represent South African talent on some of the world's biggest stages.