Standing alongside Grammy-winning star Tyla and singing the South African National Anthem before a global audience of millions is a moment the Mzansi Youth Choir says it will never forget.
Image: Alfred Phakathi
For a few unforgettable minutes before South Africa's Fifa World Cup opener against Mexico, the eyes of the world were on Tyla and the Mzansi Youth Choir.
As the South African National Anthem echoed around the packed stadium, millions of viewers watched as some of the country's brightest young performers stood proudly alongside the Grammy-winning star on one of sport's biggest stages.
Members of the Mzansi Youth Choir told us that the opportunity to perform alongside Tyla at the Fifa World Cup opening ceremony was a moment years in the making.
The excitement started long before they stepped onto the field.
Zoliswa Gulwa recalled the moment that the choir learned that they would be performing with Tyla.
"When we got the news, we actually had to guess who the artist was," she said with a laugh.
"They only told us when we were on the way to the airport. It was such an amazing feeling. When we met Tyla on the first day, it felt like we had known her for a long time."
Performing at a Fifa World Cup opening ceremony was something many choir members never imagined would happen.
"It is such an honour," said Gulwa.
"For Fifa and Tyla's team to invite us to sing a prayer for our country and to stand united as South Africans means so much. We never thought we could achieve something like this. It shows that we are doing something right."
For choir member Linda Mlimi, the reality of the occasion only truly sank in when the group walked onto the field.
"I was thinking, this is the moment. It's finally here," said Mlimi.
"Walking onto that field knowing we were going to sing the national anthem before a World Cup match was incredible. We were praying for Bafana Bafana to win, but most importantly, we were there for our country."
The atmosphere inside the stadium is a memory that will last a lifetime.
"It felt amazing. The stadium was packed. It was a fun experience and such a privilege."
Beyond the performance itself, the trip to Mexico delivered plenty of memorable moments.
For Keneilwe Melato, nothing could top seeing Bafana Bafana up close before the match.
"My highlight was singing the national anthem and seeing our team on the field and how focused they were. You can't trade that for anything."
Tshegofatso Madibikanye found joy in connecting with local people.
"My highlight was meeting people in Mexico. People would stop us, take pictures and interact with us. That was really special."
For Simphiwe Nkosi, one surprise stood out above the rest.
"My highlight was finding out that we would be performing with Tyla. It was very inspiring and it really feels like a privilege."
Then came a confession many travellers can relate to.
"And of course, the tacos," he laughed. "The food was amazing. But most importantly, representing South Africa."
Music director Sidumo Nyamezele described the performance as a moment that belonged to every young person who has been part of the choir's journey.
"To stand on the field before a Fifa World Cup match and sing our national anthem for a global audience is an extraordinary honour," said Nyamezele.
"We are proud to carry the hopes, stories and talent of South Africa onto the world stage and to share this experience alongside Tyla."
The World Cup appearance is another chapter in the remarkable journey of the Mzansi Youth Choir.
Founded in 2003, the choir has grown into one of Africa's leading vocal groups. Their performances have taken them across Europe, North America, the Middle East and the rest of Africa.
Along the way, they have shared stages with some of the biggest names in music, including Beyoncé, Coldplay, Andrea Bocelli and Jon Batiste.
Yet despite performing at world-famous venues and global events, the choir remains focused on creating opportunities for young South Africans through music.