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Bafana coaching team
World Cup-bound Bafana Bafana received a proper, first 2026 FIFA World Cup send-off ahead of Wednesday evening’s official send-off and team announcement in Pretoria.
The event was organized by the team’s financial backer and banking group, Standard Bank. Fans wished the team well ahead of its first World Cup appearance in a decade.
Bafana Bafana Coach Hugo Broos was leading the way and his players in his shadow. And the employees at Standard Bank were ecstatic. The Belgian mentor and players soaked up the adulation of the fans as they walked in. A short official program was preceded by the singing of the national anthem. For Broos and the players, the fans’ support and love mean the world.
“I am 74 years old, I have a career of 55 years, and I can assure you what I see today I have never seen in my whole life,” says Broos.
“We really appreciate it. We feel it. Together we can achieve so much more. I want to urge everyone to support the team and get behind it,” says Ronwen Williams, Bafana Bafana Captain.
Although Bafana are in an extremely difficult group, supporters expressed confidence.
“Let’s hope they do well at the World Cup and get out of the group.”
“I was so glad to see them all and I know they are going to make it where they are going to play.”
‘It was nice seeing the team here. I only have few words for them, go out there and make us proud,”
Broos will announce his final 26-man World Cup squad at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.
The event starts at 7pm and will be broadcast live on SABC 3, SABC News channel and SABC News YouTube channel.
Bafana will also play a send-off match against Nicaragua at the Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Friday, before they depart on Sunday.
