Bafana Bafana received a heroes’ welcome at OR Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning as they returned home following their FIFA World Cup campaign, which saw them reach the knockout stages for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Despite their exit at the hands of co-hosts Canada, the squad was met by hundreds of passionate supporters who gathered to celebrate their landmark achievement and show appreciation for their performance on the global stage.
The focus, however, is already shifting towards the next challenge. Captain Ronwen Williams says the team’s immediate goal is qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, describing it as their next major mission.
Head coach Hugo Broos praised the overwhelming turnout at the airport, saying the reception reflected the growing belief and unity behind the national team.
While the World Cup journey has ended, the emotional scenes at OR Tambo underlined renewed optimism as Bafana Bafana set their sights on building momentum for AFCON 2027.