Ramaphosa leads praise for Bafana after historic World Cup win

President Cyril Ramaphosa has led the nation’s celebrations after Bafana Bafana reached the FIFA World Cup knockout stages for the first time in the team’s history.

Bafana secured their place in the round of 32 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over South Korea in Monterrey on Thursday morning, with Thapelo Maseko scoring the decisive goal.

In an official statement, Ramaphosa congratulated the national team on achieving a milestone moment for South African football.

“Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to make it to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time,” said Ramaphosa.

The President also acknowledged the contributions of head coach, Hugo Broos, and match-winner Maseko.

“Coach Hugo Broos and scorer Thapelo Maseko opened the way for South Africa to progress to the round of 32, where an encounter with tournament co-hosts Canada awaits,” he said.

Bafana will now turn their attention to a do-or-die knockout clash against co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday night, as they look to extend their dream World Cup run and make even more history.

Congratulations to Bafana Bafana on beating Korea 1-0 in Monterrey to make it to the knockout stages of a FIFA World Cup for the first time.

Coach Hugo Broos, and scorer Thapelo Maseko opened the way for South Africa to progress to the group of 32 where an encounter with… pic.twitter.com/00USIPrYD2

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) June 25, 2026

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari