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Bafana Bafana class of 1996
As South Africa prepares to mark the 30th anniversary of Bafana Bafana’s historic 1996 Africa Cup of Nations triumph on 3 February, Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Peace Mabe has described the victory as a defining moment that symbolised the dawn of democracy.
Mabe says the tournament united South Africans across race, class and sector, as the country rallied behind the national team while building a new South Africa.
She notes that the 1996 victory came at a critical time, when South Africa was re-entering the global sporting arena after years of isolation caused by apartheid, and had much to prove to the international community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bPLDAngcqg
While the Bafana Bafana class of 1996 will always be remembered and honoured for their achievement, many believe the time has come for the current generation to rise to the occasion and create their own legacy.
Qualifying for, and participating in major football tournaments should not be the only goal.
National teams should now strive and lift the bar higher, every time they go at and represent the country, and it must start with the current Bafana Bafana squad. They’ve already won an AFCON bronze medal and in June, they’re off to the FIFA World Cup in the Americas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrg-tJKXUrA
Assistant coach, Helman Mkhalele, will be in Hugo Broos shadow when Bafana Bafana travel to America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mkhalele was a member of the class of 96 and also travelled to France in 1998 when Bafana Bafana made their first appearance at a FIFA World Cup.
He says the arrival of the FIFA World Cup Trophy in South Africa on Friday and the fact that the country will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Bafana’s AFCON success in 1996 should serve as motivation for all involved in the sport – the current national squad in particular.
Former Bafana Bafana captain, Aaron Mokoena, was just 16 years old when South Africa won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996.
The defender represented his country in 107 internationals and was known as “Mbazo” or “The Axe” for his uncompromising tackling skills.
The 45-year-old. who took over the Bafana captaincy from the legendary Lucas Radebe, says the class of 1996 shaped his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNoQiS-v9vE
