The year 2024 has turned out to be one of the best for Bafana Bafana following stellar performances and excellent results, along with the happiest of memories.
The South African men’s senior football side, long the ‘black sheep’ in national team sport, have this year lifted themselves to the standards of the likes of the Springboks, Proteas and Banyana Banyana.
Under the guidance of Belgium grandmaster Hugo Broos, the side have not only defied the odds, but have also placed themselves among the giants of African football, while individuals also graced the world’s stages...
Remarkable performances
Bafana have seen an impressive turnaround in their performances over the last 12 months, with a few of them coming in at the Africa Cup of Nations in January.
In what was one of finest 90 minutes we’ve seen under Broos, Bafana shocked the world when they overcame tournament favourites Morocco in the round of 16.
An Evidence Makgopa strike and a well-placed Teboho Mokoena free-kick in the latter stages saw Bafana beat the No 1-ranked nation on the continent and announce their potential for the title.
Another display, although in a losing effort, was Bafana’s battle against arch rivals Nigeria in the competition, where goals by William Troost-Ekong and Mokoena saw the game finish deadlocked after 120 minutes.
Mokoena and Co were arguably the better side on the day, having created better goal-scoring opportunities, but were unlucky to be beaten via a penalty shoot-out.
While there were various other memorable matches on offer, it was Bafana’s 5-0 trouncing of Congo Brazzaville in the 2025 Afcon qualifiers that signalled their superiority over nations they’d struggled to overcome in the past.
Guidance from Hugo Broos
Broos’ leadership has been instrumental in transforming the team’s competitive spirit and strategy over the last few years.
Having butted heads with players and fans alike when he arrived in 2021, the silver-haired maestro is the darling of South African football, having delivered nearly all that he promised the country.
His direct approach to setting national team standards has seen him help Bafana qualify for a second consecutive Afcon, an achievement that had eluded the nation for nearly two decades.
One of the most impressive elements of Broos’ coaching has been his introduction of fresh faces into his group, setting up the team for sustained success.
Following a bronze-medal finish in the Ivory Coast this year, it was expected that Broos would stick with the core of his side that did the business – but he has done the opposite.
The likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Rushwin Dortley, Patrick Maswanganyi, Fawaaz Basadien and Devin Titus have all earned their place in the national team, and are expected to lead the next era of Bafana success.
As Broos looks to end his tenure at the 2026 World Cup, he will look back and reflect on 2024 as perhaps the year he turned the tide for South Africa in the five years he’s expected to be in charge.
Reputation among giants
Having consistently proved their worth in the last 12 months, Bafana stand tall alongside Africa’s football giants, with a solidified status as one of the strongest teams on the continent.
Their achievements in the 2024 Afcon, 2025 Afcon qualifiers and ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers have raised the profile of South African football once again, and garnered a new wave of support from fans and respect from the titans.
In 2024, Bafana had encounters against Nigeria, Morocco, Algeria and Ivory Coast, and only tasted defeat once – via a penalty shoot-out against the Super Eagles.
They proved repeatedly their resolve, quality and ability to tussle with the best talents on the continent, who ply their trade in elite European league.
Due to their impressive duels with high profile opponents this year, Bafana returned to the top 10 of the CAF rankings this year, and will hope to move up from their current 10th spot, with more action expected next March.
The outstanding achievements of the national team also led to a historic landmark for one of South Africa’s favourite sons.
Bafana goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams was shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, which recognises the world’s best goalkeepers as part of the annual Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Although he went on to finish ninth in the final standings – with Argentina’s Emi Martinez claiming the award – Williams walked off proudly as the first African goalkeeper to be nominated for the accolade.
The 31-year-old also received the Goalkeeper of the Year and Interclub Player of the Year gongs at the CAF Awards this week, due to his exploits for Mamelodi Sundowns and Bafana Bafana.
Unbeaten streak
Throughout the 18 matches they have played across all competitions, Bafana have lost just once from open play and once on penalties, illuminating their resilience on the football field.
Currently, they are enjoying an 11-game unbeaten streak, having topped their qualifying group for the 2025 African Cup of Nations and standing level at the top of their 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying group.
This accomplishment not only boosts the team’s confidence, but also sets a solid foundation as they chase glory in upcoming competitions.
As the team continues to build upon this remarkable run, there is hope that they will not only maintain their unbeaten streak, but also march towards a bold new chapter in their football history.