Bafana Bafana is set to make a historic appearance at the FIFA World Cup, with South Africa uniting in support as they face Mexico in the opening match, showcasing legendary talent and overcoming past challenges. Seen here: Bafana supporters at the team sendoff. Picture:Mandisa Ledwaba
Image: Mandisa Ledwaba
The time for planning and permutations is over. The FIFA World Cup is here, and in the sporting religion of football, the purest form of devotion is belief.
We need to believe in Bafana Bafana. In Hugo Broos. And in South Africa. We need to believe that we are good enough to be at the World Cup.
Bafana qualified on merit; they deserve to be there. Even after being docked three points during qualifying due to an administrative error, Bafana still went on to finish top of their group and book their World Cup ticket.
That alone was a monumental feat.
Back in 1996, Bafana had a team that would become legendary – names like Mark Fish, Doctor Khumalo, Jerry Sikhosana, Shaun Bartlett, André Arendse, Lucas Radebe and Phil Masinga.
Fast forward 30 years and there is arguably even more talent in this squad. Ronwen Williams, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thalente Mbatha, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng.
Those are just seven of the world-class players in the Bafana squad, and under Broos they will not be overawed by the occasion.
The first big occasion, of course, arrives on Thursday. That's when the small matter of playing in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup comes around. Bafana take on co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Rainbow Nation will collectively hold its breath at exactly 9pm when the match kicks off.
Bafana will have the support of South Africa behind them as we unite once more. Even the SA Football Association's (SAFA) visa blunder, which delayed the team's departure for the World Cup, will be forgotten when the whistle blows.
There will be 11 players on the field, and just as Siphiwe Tshabalala's name echoed around the world 16 years ago when he unleashed that thunderbolt against Mexico, a new generation of Bafana heroes will be ready to carve their names into football history.
Ke Nako.
Believe.