South Africa national soccer team facts for kids
Nickname(s) | Bafana Bafana | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Association | South African Football Association (SAFA) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Confederation | CAF (Africa) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sub-confederation | COSAFA (Southern Africa) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Head coach | Hugo Broos | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Captain | Ronwen Williams | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Most caps | Aaron Mokoena (107) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Top scorer | Benni McCarthy (31) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Home stadium | Various | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FIFA code | RSA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 74 ![]() |
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Highest | 16 (August 1996) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 124 (December 1992) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 71 ![]() |
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Highest | 21 (9) (September 1996 (October 1955)) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 94 (May 2006) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Buenos Aires, Argentina; 9 July 1906) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Adelaide, Australia; 17 September 1955) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Cape Town, South Africa; 17 July 1920) |
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World Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 3 (first in 1998) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Group stage (1998, 2002, 2010) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Africa Cup of Nations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 12 (first in 1996) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Champions (1996) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CONCACAF Gold Cup | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 1 (first in 2005) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Quarter-finals (2005) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
African Nations Championship | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 2 (first in 2011) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Best result | Quarter-finals (2011) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Medal record
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Website | safa.net |
The South Africa national soccer team represents South Africa in international men's soccer. The South African Football Association (SAFA) manages the team. They are famously known as Bafana Bafana, which means "The Boys" in Zulu. Their main home stadium is FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The team is part of FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). They are one of Africa's most popular teams, recognized by their yellow and green uniforms.
South Africa played its first match in 1906. However, they were banned from international soccer for many years due to the apartheid system, which separated people by race. They returned to the world stage in 1992.
The team has played in the FIFA World Cup three times: in 1998, 2002, and 2010. In 2010, South Africa hosted the World Cup, becoming the first African country to do so! Even though they beat France 2–1 in their last group game, they did not move past the first round. This made them the first host nation to exit in the group stage.
Their biggest success was in 1996. South Africa hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) that year. They also reached the final in 1998 but lost to Egypt.
Famous players from Bafana Bafana include Benni McCarthy, who scored the most goals (31), and Aaron Mokoena, who played the most games (107). Other important players are Lucas Radebe, Doctor Khumalo, and Itumeleng Khune.
Contents
- Team History: The Journey of Bafana Bafana
- Early Days of South African Soccer
- Banned from International Play
- Return to the World Stage: 1992–1994
- The Incredible Rise: 1996–1998
- Ups and Downs: 2000–2006
- Hosting the World Cup: 2007–2010
- Challenges Continue: 2012–2016
- A Promising New Generation: 2017–2023
- Recent Success and Resurgence: 2024–Present
- Team Identity: Nickname, Stadiums, and Kits
- Results and fixtures
- Coaching staff
- Players
- Records
- Tournament Performance: How Bafana Bafana Competes
- Head-to-head record
- Honours
- See also
Team History: The Journey of Bafana Bafana
Early Days of South African Soccer
Soccer came to South Africa in the late 1800s with British soldiers. For many years, the sport was affected by the country's system of racial separation, called apartheid. Different soccer groups were formed for different racial groups.
In 1906, a South African team, made up of white players, toured South America. They played 12 friendly matches and won 11 of them! They scored 60 goals and only let in 7. This showed their early talent.
Banned from International Play
South Africa helped create the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in 1956. However, because of apartheid, South Africa could not send mixed-race teams to play. This was against the rules of CAF and FIFA. So, South Africa was disqualified from the 1957 Africa Cup of Nations.
In 1958, South Africa was officially removed from CAF. FIFA also suspended them in 1961. Even though there were attempts to lift the ban, it was put back in place. In 1976, South Africa was formally expelled from FIFA. This ban lasted for many years.
Return to the World Stage: 1992–1994
In 1991, as the apartheid system ended, a new, mixed-race South African Football Association was created. This allowed South Africa to rejoin FIFA.
On July 7, 1992, the national team played its first international game in almost two decades! They beat Cameroon 1–0 in Durban.
They tried to qualify for the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1994 FIFA World Cup. They played well but did not make it to either tournament.
The Incredible Rise: 1996–1998
Just five years after rejoining international soccer, South Africa achieved its greatest success! In 1996, they hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations. This amazing win helped them reach their highest-ever FIFA ranking of 16th in the world.
After this success, they finished second in the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations. They also qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in France '98. They lost to host nation France but earned draws against Denmark and Saudi Arabia. They exited in the first round.
Ups and Downs: 2000–2006
South Africa started the 2000s strongly, finishing third in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. They qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup easily. In the World Cup, they drew with Paraguay and beat Slovenia 1–0. This was their first World Cup win! However, they were still knocked out in the group stage based on goals scored. It was a heartbreaking exit.
After 2002, the team faced challenges. They changed coaches several times and struggled in tournaments. They did not score any goals in the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and failed to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Hosting the World Cup: 2007–2010
Because of their struggles, South Africa decided to hire a very experienced coach, Carlos Alberto Parreira from Brazil. He aimed to prepare the team for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, which South Africa was chosen to host. This was a huge honor, as it was the first time an African nation hosted the World Cup.
Parreira left for family reasons in 2008, and Joel Santana took over. The team struggled again, even failing to qualify for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations. Parreira returned in 2009.
In the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa played the opening game, drawing 1–1 with Mexico. They then lost 3–0 to Uruguay. In their final group game, they made history by beating France 2–1! However, they were still eliminated in the group stage due to goal difference. This made them the first host nation to not advance past the first round.
2010 FIFA World Cup Group A
Challenges Continue: 2012–2016
After the World Cup, Pitso Mosimane became the new coach. South Africa faced more difficulties. They failed to qualify for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations due to a misunderstanding of the rules. This was a big embarrassment.
The team had a long streak of draws and struggled to win games. Coaches changed frequently. In 2013, South Africa hosted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations after Libya could not host it. They performed better, winning their group and reaching the quarterfinals. They lost to Mali in a penalty shootout.
Under coach Ephraim Mashaba, South Africa qualified for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations without losing a game. They even drew with defending champions Nigeria. However, they were eliminated in the group stage of the tournament. Due to disagreements and other issues, coach Mashaba was later suspended.
A Promising New Generation: 2017–2023
After not reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup, South Africa began to rebuild its soccer program. Younger teams (U-17, U-20, U-23) started to do well in African and world tournaments.
South Africa qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations without a single loss, including a big 2–0 win against Nigeria. In the tournament, they surprisingly beat host nation Egypt 1–0 in the Round of 16! They then lost to Nigeria in the quarterfinals, but it was seen as their best performance in many years.
The team did not qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Coach Molefi Ntseki was replaced by Hugo Broos. Broos brought in many new, young players. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams became the new captain.
Broos's changes helped the team play well in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. They narrowly missed out on the final playoff round. South Africa successfully qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by beating Liberia.
Recent Success and Resurgence: 2024–Present
In the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, held in January 2024, many experts did not expect much from Bafana Bafana. Some key players were unable to join the team due to personal reasons or injuries. They lost to Mali but then beat Namibia 4–0 and drew with Tunisia. This was enough to reach the knockout stage.
In the Round of 16, they faced a strong Morocco team. Bafana Bafana played an intense match and won 2–0, moving to the quarterfinals! There, they met Cape Verde. The game ended in a 0–0 draw, leading to penalties. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero, saving three penalties! South Africa won 2–1 on penalties and reached the semi-finals.
They played against Nigeria in the semi-finals, and the match ended 1–1. Unfortunately, they lost in a penalty shootout. However, they won the third-place play-off against DR Congo, earning a bronze medal! This was their best AFCON result since 2000. It showed that Bafana Bafana is becoming a strong team in Africa again. Players like Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Sphephelo Sithole, and Themba Zwane have been key to their success.
Since the AFCON semi-final loss to Nigeria, Bafana Bafana has been very strong. In the two 2026 World Cup Qualifiers played in 2024, they drew 1–1 with Nigeria away and beat Zimbabwe 3–1 at home.
In the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers, Bafana Bafana was in Group K. They drew 2–2 with Uganda at home. Then, they won 3–2 away against South Sudan and crushed Congo 5–0 at home. They drew 1–1 with Congo in their second match but beat Uganda 2–0. These results secured their qualification for the 2025 AFCON! Their final group match was on November 19, 2024, where they beat South Sudan 3–0 in Cape Town. This ended 2024 on a high note for the team.
Team Identity: Nickname, Stadiums, and Kits
What Does "Bafana Bafana" Mean?
The team's famous nickname, "Bafana Bafana," comes from their fans. It's a Nguni phrase that means "the boys, the boys." It's like saying "Go boys! Go boys!" It also suggests togetherness, a key idea in South African culture called ubuntu.
The name became popular in July 1992 after a match against Cameroon. Journalists started using it, and it stuck! For a while, there was a legal discussion about who owned the name. But in 2011, the South African Football Association (SAFA) officially gained all rights to "Bafana Bafana."
Where Do They Play? Home Stadiums
The South Africa national soccer team doesn't have just one home stadium. They play their matches in different stadiums across the country.
The biggest stadium they use is Soccer City in Johannesburg. It can hold 94,700 fans! Other stadiums they often use include Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg and Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Sometimes, the team even plays friendly matches outside South Africa. They have played in Germany, Hong Kong, and England.
Team Kits and Logos
Bafana Bafana's jerseys usually have two main logos.
The Protea Emblem
On the right side of the jersey, you'll see the Protea flower. This flower is a national symbol of South Africa. It shows the team's connection to all South African sports.
The SAFA Badge
On the left side, there's the SAFA badge. It often has a star above it. This star celebrates their big win in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
A less common logo shows two stars as soccer players on the field. This represents the team's goals and achievements.
Kit Sponsors
Over the years, different companies have made the team's kits.
- From 1992 to 1997, Kappa supplied the kits.
- From 1998 to 2010, Adidas was the sponsor.
- Then, Puma took over from 2011 to 2013.
- From 2014 to 2020, Nike was the official kit provider.
- Since June 2020, the French company Le Coq Sportif has supplied the kits.
The team also has sponsors like Castle Lager, Energade, and Tsogo Sun Hotels. In 2022, Banxso became an online trading partner.
Kit provider | Period |
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1992–1997 |
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1998–2010 |
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2011–2013 |
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2014–2020 |
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2020–present |
Watching the Games: Media Coverage
The South African Football Association (SAFA) controls the rights to broadcast national team matches played in South Africa. They have a contract with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) to show these games.
The SABC usually broadcasts most national team matches. For big tournaments like the FIFA World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, other channels like SuperSport also show the games.
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last twelve months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2024
7 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Nigeria ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Uyo, Nigeria |
21:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad) |
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | South Africa ![]() |
3–1 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Free State Stadium Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt) |
26 June 2024 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium |
29 June 2024 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium |
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium |
6 September 2025 AFCON qualification | South Africa ![]() |
2–2 | ![]() |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Orlando Stadium Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon) |
10 September 2025 AFCON qualification | South Sudan ![]() |
2–3 | ![]() |
Juba, South Sudan |
15:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: Juba Stadium Referee: Joseph Ogabor (Nigeria) |
11 October 2025 AFCON qualification | South Africa ![]() |
5–0 | ![]() |
Gqeberha, South Africa |
20:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania) |
14 October 2025 AFCON qualification | Congo ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Brazzaville, Congo |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat Referee: Mahmood Ismail (Sudan) |
10 November 2025 AFCON qualification | Uganda ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
Kampala, Uganda |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Mandela National Stadium Attendance: 38,000 Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad) |
19 November 2025 AFCON qualification | South Africa ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Cape Town, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: Cape Town Stadium Referee: Adalbert Diouf (Senegal) |
2025
2 March CHAN qualification | South Africa ![]() |
1–1 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
17:00 | Stadium: Free State Stadium |
21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | South Africa ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Polokwane, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium |
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Benin ![]() |
0–2 | ![]() |
Abidjan, Ivory Cost |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium |
3 May CHAN qualification | Malawi ![]() |
1–0 | ![]() |
Lilongwe, Malawi |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Bingu National Stadium |
11 May CHAN qualification | South Africa ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Pretoria, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium |
4 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
0–1 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Sumbane ![]() |
Stadium: Free State Stadium Referee: Arnaud Zafimahatoha (Madagascar) |
6 June Friendly | South Africa ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Polokwane, South Africa |
19:30 UTC+2 | Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium |
7 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 |
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Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana) |
10 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
0–0 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Free State Stadium Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique) |
10 June Friendly | South Africa ![]() |
2–0 | ![]() |
Polokwane, South Africa |
19:30 UTC+2 | Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium |
13 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | South Africa ![]() |
3–1 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
18:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Free State Stadium Referee: Hillary Hambaba (Zambia) |
15 June 2025 COSAFA Cup | Angola ![]() |
3–0 | ![]() |
Bloemfontein, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Stadium: Free State Stadium Referee: Brighton Chimene (Zimbabwe) |
September GoTyme Bank Cup | South Africa ![]() |
v | Philippines | |
20:30 UTC+8 |
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Lesotho ![]() |
v | ![]() |
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | South Africa ![]() |
v | ![]() |
South Africa |
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Zimbabwe ![]() |
v | ![]() |
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | South Africa ![]() |
v | ![]() |
South Africa |
22 December 2025 AFCON Group B | South Africa ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Marrakesh, Morocco |
20:30 UTC+1 | Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium |
26 December 2025 AFCON Group B | Egypt ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Agadir, Morocco |
19:00 UTC+1 | Stadium: Adrar Stadium |
29 December 2025 AFCON Group B | Zimbabwe ![]() |
v | ![]() |
Marrakesh, Morocco |
20:30 UTC+1 | Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium |
Coaching staff
Position | Staff |
---|---|
Technical Director | ![]() |
Team Manager | ![]() |
Head Coach | ![]() |
Assistant Coach | ![]() |
Goalkeeper Coach | ![]() |
Team Organiser | ![]() |
Coaching history
- Caretaker managers are listed in italics.
Alan Rogers (1963)
Jeff Butler (1992)
Stanley Tshabalala (1992)
Ephraim Mashaba (1992)
Augusto Palacios (1992–93)
Clive Barker (1994–97)
Jomo Sono (1998)
Philippe Troussier (1998)
Trott Moloto (1998–00)
Carlos Queiroz (2000–02)
Ephraim Mashaba (2001)
Trott Moloto (2002)
Jomo Sono (2002)
Ephraim Mashaba (2002–04, 2014–16)
Jomo Sono (2003)
April Phumo (2004)
Stuart Baxter (2004–05, 2017–19)
Ted Dumitru (2005–06)
Pitso Mosimane (2006)
Carlos Alberto Parreira (2007–08, 2009–10)
Joel Santana (2008–09)
Pitso Mosimane (2010–12)
Steve Komphela (2012)
Gordon Igesund (2012–14)
Molefi Ntseki (2019–21)
Helman Mkhalele (2021)
Hugo Broos (2021–present)
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the friendlies against Tanzania and Mozambique on 6 and 10 June 2025.
Caps and goals correct as of 10 June 2025, after the match against Mozambique
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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1 | GK | Renaldo Leaner | 12 February 1998 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
16 | GK | Sipho Chaine | 14 December 1996 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
22 | GK | Ricardo Goss | 2 April 1994 | 4 | 0 | ![]() |
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3 | DF | Fawaaz Basadien | 23 December 1996 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
6 | DF | Nyiko Mobbie | 11 September 1994 | 28 | 0 | ![]() |
11 | DF | Khulumani Ndamane | 5 February 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
14 | DF | Mbekezeli Mbokazi | 19 September 2005 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
15 | DF | Thabo Moloisane | 24 February 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
19 | DF | Nkosinathi Sibisi | 22 September 1995 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
20 | DF | Samukele Kabini | 15 March 2004 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
23 | DF | Deano Van Rooyen | 24 November 1996 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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4 | MF | Simphiwe Selepe | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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5 | MF | Thalente Mbatha | 6 March 2000 | 6 | 2 | ![]() |
8 | MF | Patrick Maswanganyi | 4 April 1998 | 5 | 2 | ![]() |
12 | MF | Luke Le Roux | 10 March 2000 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
13 | MF | Ndamulelo Maphangule | 22 October 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
21 | MF | Sinoxolo Kwayiba | 15 February 2000 | 5 | 1 | ![]() |
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2 | FW | Mohau Nkota | 9 November 2004 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
7 | FW | Oswin Appollis | 25 August 2001 | 14 | 2 | ![]() |
9 | FW | Ashley Cupido | 5 May 2001 | 2 | 1 | ![]() |
10 | FW | Relebohile Mofokeng | 23 October 2004 | 9 | 0 | ![]() |
17 | FW | Tshepang Moremi | 2 October 2000 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
18 | FW | Yanela Mbuthuma | 23 February 2002 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
Recent call-ups
The following players were called up to a squad in the last 12 months. Caps and goals relate to the time at which the matches were played.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Ronwen Williams (captain) | 21 January 1992 | 50 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
GK | Veli Mothwa | 12 February 1991 | 11 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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DF | Aubrey Modiba | 22 July 1995 | 38 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Thapelo Morena | 6 August 1993 | 30 | 3 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Khuliso Mudau | 26 April 1995 | 22 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Grant Kekana | 31 October 1992 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Siyabonga Ngezana | 15 July 1997 | 7 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Rushwin Dortley | 2 May 2002 | 5 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Thabiso Sesane | 30 May 2000 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
DF | Thabang Matuludi | 14 January 1999 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
DF | Sirgio Kammies | 7 February 1998 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
DF | Given Msimango | 4 May 1997 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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MF | Teboho Mokoena | 24 January 1997 | 40 | 9 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Bathusi Aubaas | 11 July 1998 | 8 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Jayden Adams | 5 May 2001 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Sphephelo Sithole | 3 March 1999 | 21 | 0 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
MF | Ethan Brooks | 1 March 2001 | 16 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Malebogo Modise | 6 February 1999 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Antonio van Wyk | 30 March 2002 | 4 | 1 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Jaedin Rhodes | 11 April 2003 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Liam Bern | 6 March 2003 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Brooklyn Poggenpoel | 3 October 1999 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
MF | Mothobi Mvala | 14 June 1994 | 26 | 1 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
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FW | Percy Tau | 13 May 1994 | 46 | 15 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Lyle Foster | 9 May 2000 | 18 | 6 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Iqraam Rayners | 19 December 1995 | 10 | 4 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Elias Mokwana | 8 September 1999 | 9 | 2 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Themba Zwane | 3 August 1989 | 49 | 12 | ![]() |
v. ![]() |
FW | Thabang Sibanyoni | 8 January 1996 | 9 | 2 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Asanele Velebayi | 11 December 2002 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Mfundo Thikazi | 23 June 1999 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
FW | Devin Titus | 18 May 2001 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
2024 COSAFA Cup |
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Past squads
Africa Cup of Nations
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FIFA Confederations Cup
FIFA World Cup
CONCACAF Gold Cup
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Records
- Players in bold are still active with South Africa.
Most appearances
Rank | Player | Caps | Goals | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Aaron Mokoena | 107 | 1 | 1999–2010 |
2 | Itumeleng Khune | 91 | 0 | 2008–2020 |
3 | Siphiwe Tshabalala | 89 | 12 | 2006–2017 |
4 | Siyabonga Nomvethe | 82 | 16 | 1999–2012 |
5 | Benni McCarthy | 81 | 31 | 1997–2012 |
6 | Shaun Bartlett | 74 | 29 | 1995–2005 |
7 | John Moshoeu | 73 | 8 | 1992–2004 |
Bernard Parker | 73 | 23 | 2007–2015 | |
9 | Delron Buckley | 72 | 10 | 1999–2008 |
10 | Lucas Radebe | 70 | 2 | 1992–2003 |
Top goalscorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Caps | Ratio | Career |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Benni McCarthy | 31 | 81 | 0.39 | 1997–2012 |
2 | Shaun Bartlett | 29 | 74 | 0.38 | 1995–2005 |
3 | Katlego Mphela | 23 | 53 | 0.43 | 2005–2013 |
Bernard Parker | 23 | 73 | 0.32 | 2007–2015 | |
5 | Phil Masinga | 18 | 58 | 0.33 | 1992–2001 |
6 | Percy Tau | 16 | 50 | 0.32 | 2015–present |
Siyabonga Nomvethe | 16 | 82 | 0.2 | 1999–2012 | |
8 | Tokelo Rantie | 13 | 41 | 0.32 | 2012–2017 |
Sibusiso Zuma | 13 | 67 | 0.19 | 1998–2008 | |
10 | Themba Zwane | 12 | 51 | 0.24 | 2014–present |
Siphiwe Tshabalala | 12 | 89 | 0.13 | 2006–2017 |
Tournament Performance: How Bafana Bafana Competes
FIFA World Cup Appearances
South Africa has played in the FIFA World Cup three times, but they have not yet made it past the first round.
Their first World Cup was in France 1998. They drew two games but were eliminated. In Korea/Japan 2002, they won their first World Cup match ever, beating Slovenia 1–0! However, they were still knocked out in the group stage due to goal difference.
They did not qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup. In 2010, South Africa hosted the World Cup. They drew with Mexico and lost to Uruguay. In a memorable game, they beat France 2–1! But they were the first host country to not get past the group stage.
FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
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Not a FIFA member | Not a FIFA member | ||||||||||||||
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Not admitted | Not admitted | ||||||||||||||
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Banned | Banned | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | |||||||||
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Group stage | 24th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 3 | ||
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17th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 13 | 3 | |||
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Did not qualify | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 14 | |||||||||
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Group stage | 20th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | ||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 12 | 5 | |||||||||
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8 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 11 | ||||||||||
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6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | ||||||||||
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To be determined | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 5 | |||||||||
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To be determined | |||||||||||||||
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Total | Group stage | 3/15 | 9 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 11 | 16 | 62 | 36 | 10 | 16 | 82 | 52 |
South Africa's World Cup record | |||||
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First Match | |||||
Biggest Win |
South Africa
![]() ![]() (8 June 2002; Daegu, South Korea) South Africa ![]() ![]() (22 June 2010; Bloemfontein, South Africa) |
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Biggest Defeat |
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Best Result |
17th place at the 2002 World Cup
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Worst Result |
24th place at the 1998 World Cup
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FIFA Confederations Cup
FIFA Confederations Cup record | |||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Squad |
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Banned | ||||||||
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Did not qualify | ||||||||
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Group stage | 8th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 7 | Squad |
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Did not qualify | ||||||||
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Fourth place | 4th | 5 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | Squad |
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Did not qualify | ||||||||
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Total | Fourth place | 2/10 | 8 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 13 | — |
South Africa's Confederations Cup record | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Match | |||||
Biggest Win | |||||
Biggest Defeat | |||||
Best Result |
Fourth place at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup
|
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Worst Result |
8th place at the 1997 FIFA Confederations Cup
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Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record | Qualification record | |||||||||||||||
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Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | ||
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Qualified, later disqualified due to apartheid | Qualified, later disqualified | ||||||||||||||
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Banned due to apartheid | Banned due to apartheid | ||||||||||||||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | |||||||||
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Champions | 1st | 6 | 5 | 0 | 1 | 11 | 2 | Qualified as hosts | |||||||
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Runners-up | 2nd | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 6 | Qualified as defending champions | |||||||
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Third place | 3rd | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 5 | ||
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Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 4 | ||
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Group stage | 11th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | ||
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16th | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 14 | |||
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13th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 10 | 4 | |||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 5 | |||||||||
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6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 2 | ||||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | Qualified as hosts | |||||||
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Group stage | 15th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 3 | ||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 6 | |||||||||
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Quarter-finals | 7th | 5 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 11 | 2 | ||
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Did not qualify | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 8 | 7 | |||||||||
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Third place | 3rd | 7 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 3 | ||
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Qualified | 6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 16 | 5 | |||||||||
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To be determined | To be determined | ||||||||||||||
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Total | 1 Title | 12/35 | 50 | 18 | 16 | 16 | 55 | 48 | 84 | 39 | 29 | 16 | 120 | 71 |
- *Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.
South Africa's Africa Cup of Nations record | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
First Match | |||||
Biggest Win | |||||
Biggest Defeat | |||||
Best Result |
Champions in 1996
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Worst Result |
Group stage in (2004, 2006, 2008 and 2015)
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African Nations Championship
Head-to-head record
As of 13 June 2025 after match against Comoros
Opponent | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | win % |
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5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 25.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | −0 | 0.00% |
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15 | 8 | 6 | 1 | 18 | 10 | +8 | 53.33% |
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0.00% |
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21 | 11 | 4 | 6 | 47 | 27 | +20 | 52.38% |
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3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 100.00% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00% |
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17 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 28 | 9 | +19 | 70.58% |
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5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 12 | −9 | 0.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.00% |
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9 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 6 | +8 | 55.56% |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00% |
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9 | 3 | 5 | 1 | 14 | 10 | +4 | 33.33% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00% |
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6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 33.33% |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 100.00% |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | +7 | 100.00% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 0.00% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00% |
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12 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 14 | 5 | +9 | 50.00% |
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3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 66.67% |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.00% |
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3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 33.33% |
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8 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 9 | 5 | +4 | 71.43% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
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12 | 7 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 8 | +3 | 58.33 |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 0.00% |
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3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 | +4 | 66.67% |
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12 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 29 | 7 | +22 | 83.33% |
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4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 4 | −1 | 50.00% |
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4 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 11 | −8 | 25.00% |
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4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 3 | +7 | 75.00% |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 50.00% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0.00% |
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4 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 9 | −7 | 0.00% |
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15 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 35.71 |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 35.71 |
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2 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | −3 | 0.00% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 100.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.00% |
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3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 0.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 100.00% |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | −3 | 0.00% |
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8 | 2 | 5 | 1 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 25.00 |
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5 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 4 | +2 | 20.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
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4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 75.00% |
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14 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 24 | 10 | +14 | 57.14 |
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4 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 7 | 5 | +2 | 50.00% |
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2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 50.00% |
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6 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 0 | +5 | 66.67% |
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14 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 20 | 5 | +15 | 64.28% |
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6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 40.00% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00% |
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2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 0.00% |
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14 | 10 | 3 | 1 | 24 | 5 | +19 | 71.42% |
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4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 10 | −5 | 25.00% |
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9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 14 | 10 | +4 | 37.50% |
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9 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 6 | +13 | 77.78% |
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12 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 22 | 9 | +9 | 54.54% |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 0.00% |
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6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 9 | +17 | 83.00% |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | +1 | 50.00% |
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17 | 2 | 7 | 8 | 12 | 27 | −15 | 11.76% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.00% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | −1 | 0.00% |
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3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 33.33% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0.00% |
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4 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 7 | 4 | +3 | 25.00% |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50.00% |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 5 | −4 | 0.00% |
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2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0.00% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | −2 | 0.00% |
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4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 25.00% |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | +1 | 50.00% |
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10 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 10 | 13 | −3 | 20.00% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 0.00% |
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3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 0 | +9 | 66.67% |
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4 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 1 | −1 | 0.00% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | +1 | 100.00% |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 100.00% |
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2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | +4 | 100.00% |
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4 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 5 | 8 | −3 | 25.00% |
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4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 1 | +5 | 100.00% |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | −2 | 50.00% |
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4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 25.00% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | +4 | 100.00% |
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1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0% |
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2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 50.00% |
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7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 9 | −2 | 28.57% |
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1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 100.00% |
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7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 13 | 8 | +5 | 71.42% |
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1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | −1 | 0.00% |
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3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | −4 | 0.00% |
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3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | −6 | 0.00% |
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23 | 6 | 9 | 8 | 22 | 25 | −3 | 26.09% |
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16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | 27 | 16 | +11 | 50.00% |
Total | 445 | 202 | 131 | 112 | 615 | 425 | +190 | 45.39% |
By Federation
Name | Pld | Win | Draw | Loss | GF | GA | GD | Win% |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFC | 31 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 54 | 31 | +23 | 40.00% |
CAF | 339 | 170 | 107 | 62 | 468 | 263 | +205 | 50.15% |
CONCACAF | 20 | 6 | 8 | 6 | 26 | 27 | −1 | 30.00% |
CONMEBOL | 19 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 18 | 30 | −12 | 15.78% |
OFC | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 9 | +17 | 83.00% |
UEFA | 46 | 10 | 7 | 29 | 37 | 71 | −34 | 21.73% |
Total | 461 | 209 | 138 | 114 | 632 | 431 | +201 | 45.34% |
Honours
Major competitions
Intercontinental
Continental
- CAF African Cup of Nations
Champions (1): 1996
Runners-up (1): 1998
Third place (2): 2000, 2023
Regional
- COSAFA Cup
- Champions (5): 2002, 2007, 20081, 2016, 2021
- Third place (4): 2000, 2005, 20091, 2013
Friendly
- Four Nations Tournament
- Champions (1): 2018
Awards
- FIFA Best Mover of the Year: 1996
- African National Team of the Year: 1996
- FIFA Confederations Cup Fair Play Award: 1997
- Africa Cup of Nations Fair Play Award: 2023
- In 2008 and 2009, SAFA sent a Development XI team to the COSAFA Cup. These matches thus do not count towards the senior national team's records.
Summary
Senior Competition | ![]() |
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Total |
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CAF African Cup of Nations | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Total | 2 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Sudáfrica para niños