Bafana Bafana players seen shopping at Icebox in Atlanta.
Image: Instagram screenshot
Bafana Bafana are at the centre of growing speculation after reports emerged that South African billionaire Johann Rupert allegedly gifted members of the national team luxury watches valued at more than R800,000 each following their FIFA World Cup draw against Czechia.
Johann Rupert, one of South Africa's wealthiest businessmen and chairman of luxury goods giant Richemont, has also reportedly been linked to claims that players could receive R1 million each if they beat South Korea in their final Group A match on Wednesday, June 25.
However, none of these claims has been officially confirmed by Rupert, the South African Football Association (SAFA) or the Bafana Bafana camp.
The rumours gained traction on social media after luxury jewellery retailer Icebox in Atlanta shared a video showing several South African players browsing high-end watches and jewellery while the squad was in the United States for the FIFA World Cup.
In the Instagram post, Icebox wrote: "It was a privilege to work with South Africa's National Team while they are in ATL for FIFA 2026. What team are you cheering for this year?"
The video shows players checking out luxury timepieces and later leaving the store carrying Icebox shopping bags.
While some social media users claimed the watches had been purchased by Rupert for the squad, there has been no official confirmation regarding who paid for the items or exactly what was bought.
The speculation comes at a critical moment for Hugo Broos' side, who kept their World Cup hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Czechia in Atlanta.
South Africa fell behind early when Michal Sadilek scored in the sixth minute, but Bafana Bafana fought back and earned a late penalty after a handball in the Czech penalty area.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena calmly converted from the spot in the 83rd minute to secure South Africa's first point of the tournament.
The result followed South Africa's opening 2-0 defeat to tournament hosts Mexico, leaving Broos' men needing a positive result against South Korea to keep their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages alive.
Teboho Mokoena celebrates after scoring a penalty for his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group A match between Czechia and South Africa.
Image: Lars Baron / Getty Images / AFP
As excitement around the national team continues to build, so too has interest in the alleged luxury gifts.
The brands reportedly associated with the watches include some of the world's most exclusive names, such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet.
These timepieces can sell for hundreds of thousands, and in some cases millions, of rand depending on the model.
Despite the widespread online chatter, there is currently no publicly available evidence confirming that Rupert purchased watches for the players or that he promised a R1 million bonus for a victory over South Korea.
Rupert is no stranger to South African football. The billionaire businessman has long been associated with the sport through his business interests and is linked to the ownership structure of Stellenbosch FC.
For now, Bafana Bafana supporters will be less concerned about luxury watches and more focused on what happens on the pitch against South Korea.
A victory would keep South Africa's World Cup dream alive and potentially create one of the country's biggest football moments in recent years.
Whether the players have extra incentives waiting for them remains a matter of speculation until official confirmation emerges.