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South Africa national soccer team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's football team. For the women's team, see South Africa women's national football team.
Quick facts for kids
South Africa
Nickname(s) Bafana Bafana
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
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 74 Decrease 2 (7 February 2019)
Highest 16 (August 1996)
Lowest 124 (December 1992)
Elo ranking
Current 71 Increase 1 (3 March 2019)
Highest 21 (9) (September 1996 (October 1955))
Lowest 94 (May 2006)
First international
 Argentina 0–1 South Africa 
(Buenos Aires, Argentina; 9 July 1906)
Biggest win
 Australia 0–8 South Africa 
(Adelaide, Australia; 17 September 1955)
Biggest defeat
 South Africa 1–9 England 
(Cape Town, South Africa; 17 July 1920)
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
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Gold 1996 South Africa Team
Silver 1998 Burkina Faso Team
Bronze 2000 Nigeria and Ghana Team
Bronze 2023 Ivory Coast Team
COSAFA Cup
Gold 2002 Southern Africa
Gold 2007 Southern Africa
Gold 2008 South Africa
Gold 2016 Namibia Team
Gold 2021 South Africa
Bronze 2013 Zambia Team
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.

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.

South african fa 1906
The South African team that toured South America in 1906. They played 12 matches with only one defeat.

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.

FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa Uruguay
South Africa vs Uruguay at the 2010 FIFA World Cup
FRA-RSA 2010-06-22
South Africa-France starting lineups 2010-06-22

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.

Bafana joshua smith
The national soccer team of South Africa in 2018.

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.

First game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa vs Mexico4
First game of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa vs Mexico at Soccer City

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
Italy Kappa 1992–1997
Germany Adidas 1998–2010
Germany Puma 2011–2013
United States Nike 2014–2020
France Le Coq Sportif 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

Main article: South Africa national soccer team results (2020–present)

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  South Africa Uyo, Nigeria
21:00 UTC+1
  • Dele-Bashiru Goal 46'
  • Zwane Goal 29'
 Stadium: Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  3–1  Zimbabwe Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Rayners Goal 1'
  • Morena Goal 55', 76'
  • Chirewa Goal 2'
 Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Mohamed Maarouf Eid Mansour (Egypt)
26 June 2024 COSAFA Cup South Africa  1–1  Mozambique Gqeberha, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Dortley Goal 39'
  • Chamito Goal 65'
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
29 June 2024 COSAFA Cup South Africa  0–0  Botswana Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup South Africa  1–0  Swaziland Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Sibanyoni Goal 3'
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
6 September 2025 AFCON qualification South Africa  2–2  Uganda Johannesburg, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Lyle Foster Goal 14'
  • Thalente Mbatha Goal 90+5'
  • Denis Omedi Goal 51'
  • Rogers Mato Goal 54'
 Stadium: Orlando Stadium
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
10 September 2025 AFCON qualification South Sudan  2–3  South Africa Juba, South Sudan
15:00 UTC+2
  • Okello Goal 15' (pen.)
  • Yuel Goal 57'
  • Appollis Goal 17', 45+2'
  • Mbatha Goal 90+5'
 Stadium: Juba Stadium
Referee: Joseph Ogabor (Nigeria)
11 October 2025 AFCON qualification South Africa  5–0  Congo Gqeberha, South Africa
20:00 UTC+2
  • Mokoena Goal 12'
  • Mokoena Goal 27'
  • Aubaas Goal 37'
  • Foster Goal 52'
  • Rayners Goal 78'
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
14 October 2025 AFCON qualification Congo  1–1  South Africa Brazzaville, Congo
18:00 UTC+2
  • Bassouamina Goal 45+3'
  • Mokwana Goal 33'
 Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
Referee: Mahmood Ismail (Sudan)
10 November 2025 AFCON qualification Uganda  0–2  South Africa Kampala, Uganda
15:00 UTC+2
  • Morena Goal 49'
  • Maswanganyi Goal 89'
 Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
Attendance: 38,000
Referee: Alhadi Allaou Mahamat (Chad)
19 November 2025 AFCON qualification South Africa  3–0  South Sudan Cape Town, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Rayners Goal 7'
  • Maswanganyi Goal 22'
  • Mokoena Goal 50' (pen.)
 Stadium: Cape Town Stadium
Referee: Adalbert Diouf (Senegal)

2025

2 March CHAN qualification South Africa  1–1  Egypt Bloemfontein, South Africa
17:00
  • Webber Goal 80'
  • Mohamed Antar Goal 66'
 Stadium: Free State Stadium
8 March CHAN qualification Egypt  1–3  South Africa Ismailia, Egypt
17:00
  • Mohamed Shika Goal 32'
  • Maema Goal 15'
  • Mfolozi Goal 26'
  • Luthuli Goal 50'
 Stadium: Suez Canal Stadium
21 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  2–0  Lesotho Polokwane, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Mofokeng Goal 60'
  • Adams Goal 64'
 Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
25 March 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Benin  0–2  South Africa Abidjan, Ivory Cost
18:00 UTC+2
  • Foster Goal 53'
  • Adams Goal 84'
 Stadium: Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium
3 May CHAN qualification Malawi  1–0  South Africa Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00 UTC+2
  • Zeliat NkhomaGoal 88'
 Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
11 May CHAN qualification South Africa  2–0  Malawi Pretoria, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Victor LetsoaloGoal 11'
  • Neo MaemaGoal 86'
 Stadium: Loftus Versfeld Stadium
4 June 2025 COSAFA Cup South Africa  0–1  Mozambique Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2 Sumbane Goal 73' Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Arnaud Zafimahatoha (Madagascar)
6 June Friendly South Africa  0–0  Tanzania Polokwane, South Africa
19:30 UTC+2 Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
7 June 2025 COSAFA Cup South Africa  2–0  Zimbabwe Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Dlamini Goal 40' (pen.)
  • Okon Goal 78'
 Stadium: Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium
Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana)
10 June 2025 COSAFA Cup South Africa  0–0  Mauritius Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2 Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Celso Alvação (Mozambique)
10 June Friendly South Africa  2–0  Mozambique Polokwane, South Africa
19:30 UTC+2
  • Kwayiba Goal 47'
  • Cupido Goal 70'
 Stadium: Peter Mokaba Stadium
13 June 2025 COSAFA Cup South Africa  3–1  Comoros Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • I. Mohamed Goal 8' (o.g.)
  • Radiopane Goal 14'
  • Sebelebele Goal 60'
  • Madi Goal 29'
 Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Hillary Hambaba (Zambia)
15 June 2025 COSAFA Cup Angola  3–0  South Africa Bloemfontein, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Depú Goal 43', 62'
  • Milson Goal 81'
 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  South Africa
September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  v  Nigeria South Africa
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zimbabwe  v  South Africa
October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  v  Rwanda South Africa
22 December 2025 AFCON Group B South Africa  v  Angola Marrakesh, Morocco
20:30 UTC+1 Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium
26 December 2025 AFCON Group B Egypt  v  South Africa Agadir, Morocco
19:00 UTC+1 Stadium: Adrar Stadium
29 December 2025 AFCON Group B Zimbabwe  v  South Africa Marrakesh, Morocco
20:30 UTC+1 Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium

Coaching staff

Position Staff
Technical Director South Africa Walter Steenbok
Team Manager South Africa Vincent Tseka
Head Coach Belgium Hugo Broos
Assistant Coach South Africa Helman Mkhalele
Goalkeeper Coach South Africa Grant Johnson
Team Organiser South Africa David Molwantwa

Coaching history

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.
  • England Alan Rogers (1963)
  • England Jeff Butler (1992)
  • South Africa Stanley Tshabalala (1992)
  • South Africa Ephraim Mashaba (1992)
  • Peru Augusto Palacios (1992–93)
  • South Africa Clive Barker (1994–97)
  • South Africa Jomo Sono (1998)
  • France Philippe Troussier (1998)
  • South Africa Trott Moloto (1998–00)
  • Portugal Carlos Queiroz (2000–02)
  • South Africa Ephraim Mashaba (2001)
  • South Africa Trott Moloto (2002)
  • South Africa Jomo Sono (2002)
  • South Africa Ephraim Mashaba (2002–04, 2014–16)
  • South Africa Jomo Sono (2003)
  • South Africa April Phumo (2004)
  • Scotland Stuart Baxter (2004–05, 2017–19)
  • Romania Ted Dumitru (2005–06)
  • South Africa Pitso Mosimane (2006)
  • Brazil Carlos Alberto Parreira (2007–08, 2009–10)
  • Brazil Joel Santana (2008–09)
  • South Africa Pitso Mosimane (2010–12)
  • South Africa Steve Komphela (2012)
  • South Africa Gordon Igesund (2012–14)
  • South Africa Molefi Ntseki (2019–21)
  • South Africa Helman Mkhalele (2021)
  • Belgium 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
1 1GK Renaldo Leaner (1998-02-12) 12 February 1998 (age 27) 2 0 South Africa Sekhukhune United
16 1GK Sipho Chaine (1996-12-14) 14 December 1996 (age 28) 2 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
22 1GK Ricardo Goss (1994-04-02) 2 April 1994 (age 31) 4 0 South Africa SuperSport United
3 2DF Fawaaz Basadien (1996-12-23) 23 December 1996 (age 28) 5 0 South Africa Stellenbosch
6 2DF Nyiko Mobbie (1994-09-11) 11 September 1994 (age 30) 28 0 South Africa SuperSport United
11 2DF Khulumani Ndamane (2004-02-05) 5 February 2004 (age 21) 1 0 South Africa TS Galaxy
14 2DF Mbekezeli Mbokazi (2005-09-19) 19 September 2005 (age 19) 1 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
15 2DF Thabo Moloisane (1999-02-24) 24 February 1999 (age 26) 1 0 South Africa Stellenbosch
19 2DF Nkosinathi Sibisi (1995-09-22) 22 September 1995 (age 29) 16 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
20 2DF Samukele Kabini (2004-03-15) 15 March 2004 (age 21) 1 0 Norway Molde
23 2DF Deano Van Rooyen (1996-11-24) 24 November 1996 (age 28) 2 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
4 3MF Simphiwe Selepe 2 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
5 3MF Thalente Mbatha (2000-03-06) 6 March 2000 (age 25) 6 2 South Africa Orlando Pirates
8 3MF Patrick Maswanganyi (1998-04-04) 4 April 1998 (age 27) 5 2 South Africa Orlando Pirates
12 3MF Luke Le Roux (2000-03-10) 10 March 2000 (age 25) 9 0 Sweden IFK Värnamo
13 3MF Ndamulelo Maphangule (1999-10-22) 22 October 1999 (age 25) 2 0 South Africa Polokwane City
21 3MF Sinoxolo Kwayiba (2000-02-15) 15 February 2000 (age 25) 5 1 South Africa Chippa United
2 4FW Mohau Nkota (2004-11-09) 9 November 2004 (age 20) 2 0 Saudi Arabia Al-Ettifaq
7 4FW Oswin Appollis (2001-08-25) 25 August 2001 (age 23) 14 2 South Africa Polokwane City
9 4FW Ashley Cupido (2001-05-05) 5 May 2001 (age 24) 2 1 South Africa Stellenbosch
10 4FW Relebohile Mofokeng (2004-10-23) 23 October 2004 (age 20) 9 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
17 4FW Tshepang Moremi (2000-10-02) 2 October 2000 (age 24) 2 0 South Africa AmaZulu
18 4FW Yanela Mbuthuma (2002-02-23) 23 February 2002 (age 23) 1 0 South Africa Richards Bay

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) (1992-01-21) 21 January 1992 (age 33) 50 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
GK Veli Mothwa (1991-02-12) 12 February 1991 (age 34) 11 0 South Africa AmaZulu v.  South Sudan, 10 September 2024
DF Aubrey Modiba (1995-07-22) 22 July 1995 (age 30) 38 3 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
DF Thapelo Morena (1993-08-06) 6 August 1993 (age 32) 30 3 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
DF Khuliso Mudau (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 30) 22 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
DF Grant Kekana (1992-10-31) 31 October 1992 (age 32) 16 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
DF Siyabonga Ngezana (1997-07-15) 15 July 1997 (age 28) 7 0 Romania FCSB v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
DF Rushwin Dortley (2002-05-02) 2 May 2002 (age 23) 5 1 South Africa Cape Town Spurs v.  Congo, 14 October 2024
DF Thabiso Sesane (2000-05-30) 30 May 2000 (age 25) 0 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates v.  Congo, 14 October 2024
DF Thabang Matuludi (1999-01-14) 14 January 1999 (age 26) 3 0 South Africa Polokwane City 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Sirgio Kammies (1998-02-07) 7 February 1998 (age 27) 0 0 South Africa Chippa United 2024 COSAFA Cup
DF Given Msimango (1997-05-04) 4 May 1997 (age 28) 0 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs v.  Zimbabwe, 11 June 2024
MF Teboho Mokoena (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 28) 40 9 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
MF Bathusi Aubaas (1998-07-11) 11 July 1998 (age 27) 8 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
MF Jayden Adams (2001-05-05) 5 May 2001 (age 24) 2 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
MF Sphephelo Sithole (1999-03-03) 3 March 1999 (age 26) 21 0 Portugal Tondela v.  South Sudan, 10 September 2024
MF Ethan Brooks (2001-03-01) 1 March 2001 (age 24) 16 0 South Africa AmaZulu 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Malebogo Modise (1999-02-06) 6 February 1999 (age 26) 5 0 South Africa Chippa United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Antonio van Wyk (2002-03-30) 30 March 2002 (age 23) 4 1 South Africa Chippa United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Jaedin Rhodes (2003-04-11) 11 April 2003 (age 22) 3 0 South Africa Cape Town City 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Liam Bern (2003-03-06) 6 March 2003 (age 22) 2 0 South Africa Cape Town Spurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Brooklyn Poggenpoel (1999-10-03) 3 October 1999 (age 25) 1 0 South Africa Chippa United 2024 COSAFA Cup
MF Mothobi Mvala (1994-06-14) 14 June 1994 (age 31) 26 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Zimbabwe, 11 June 2024
FW Percy Tau (1994-05-13) 13 May 1994 (age 31) 46 15 Qatar Qatar SC v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
FW Lyle Foster (2000-05-09) 9 May 2000 (age 25) 18 6 England Burnley v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
FW Iqraam Rayners (1995-12-19) 19 December 1995 (age 29) 10 4 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
FW Elias Mokwana (1999-09-08) 8 September 1999 (age 25) 9 2 Tunisia Espérance de Tunis v.  Benin, 25 March 2025
FW Themba Zwane (1989-08-03) 3 August 1989 (age 36) 49 12 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Congo, 14 October 2024
FW Thabang Sibanyoni (1996-01-08) 8 January 1996 (age 29) 9 2 South Africa University of Pretoria 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Asanele Velebayi (2002-12-11) 11 December 2002 (age 22) 3 0 South Africa Cape Town Spurs 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Mfundo Thikazi (1999-06-23) 23 June 1999 (age 26) 2 0 South Africa Royal AM 2024 COSAFA Cup
FW Devin Titus (2001-05-18) 18 May 2001 (age 24) 2 0 South Africa Stellenbosch 2024 COSAFA Cup
Notes
  • INJ = Withdrew due to injury
  • PRE = Preliminary squad
  • RET = Retired from the national team
  • SUS = Serving suspension
  • WD = Player withdrew from the squad due to non-injury issue.

Past squads

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

BenniMcCarthy
Benni McCarthy is South Africa's top scorer with 31 goals.
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
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Uruguay 1930 to Chile 1962 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
England 1966 Not admitted Not admitted
Mexico 1970 Banned Banned
Germany 1974
Argentina 1978
Spain 1982
Mexico 1986
Italy 1990
United States 1994 Did not qualify 4 2 1 1 2 4
France 1998 Group stage 24th 3 0 2 1 3 6 8 6 1 1 11 3
South Korea Japan 2002 17th 3 1 1 1 5 5 8 7 1 0 13 3
Germany 2006 Did not qualify 10 5 1 4 12 14
South Africa 2010 Group stage 20th 3 1 1 1 3 5 6 2 1 3 5 5
Brazil 2014 Did not qualify 6 3 2 1 12 5
Russia 2018 8 3 1 4 11 11
Qatar 2022 6 4 1 1 6 2
Canada Mexico United States 2026 To be determined 6 4 1 1 10 5
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total Group stage 3/15 9 2 4 3 11 16 62 36 10 16 82 52

FIFA Confederations Cup

Main article: South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup
FIFA Confederations Cup record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Squad
Saudi Arabia 1992 Banned
Saudi Arabia 1995 Did not qualify
Saudi Arabia 1997 Group stage 8th 3 0 1 2 5 7 Squad
Mexico 1999 Did not qualify
South Korea Japan 2001
France 2003
Germany 2005
South Africa 2009 Fourth place 4th 5 1 1 3 4 6 Squad
Brazil 2013 Did not qualify
Russia 2017
Total Fourth place 2/10 8 1 2 5 9 13 —

Africa Cup of Nations

Main article: South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
Sudan 1957 Qualified, later disqualified due to apartheid Qualified, later disqualified
United Arab Republic 1959 Banned due to apartheid Banned due to apartheid
Ethiopia 1962
Ghana 1963
Tunisia 1965
Ethiopia 1968
Sudan 1970
Cameroon 1972
Egypt 1974
Ethiopia 1976
Ghana 1978
Nigeria 1980
Libya 1982
Ivory Coast 1984
Egypt 1986
Morocco 1988
Algeria 1990
Senegal 1992
Tunisia 1994 Did not qualify 6 1 2 3 5 10
South Africa 1996 Champions 1st 6 5 0 1 11 2 Qualified as hosts
Burkina Faso 1998 Runners-up 2nd 6 3 2 1 9 6 Qualified as defending champions
Ghana Nigeria 2000 Third place 3rd 6 3 2 1 8 6 6 3 2 1 10 5
Mali 2002 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 2 1 3 3 6 3 3 0 9 4
Tunisia 2004 Group stage 11th 3 1 1 1 3 5 4 3 1 0 6 1
Egypt 2006 16th 3 0 0 3 0 5 10 5 1 4 12 14
Ghana 2008 13th 3 0 2 1 3 5 6 3 2 1 10 4
Angola 2010 Did not qualify 6 2 1 3 5 5
Equatorial Guinea Gabon 2012 6 2 3 1 4 2
South Africa 2013 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 2 1 5 3 Qualified as hosts
Equatorial Guinea 2015 Group stage 15th 3 0 1 2 3 6 6 3 3 0 9 3
Gabon 2017 Did not qualify 6 1 4 1 8 6
Egypt 2019 Quarter-finals 7th 5 2 0 3 3 4 6 3 3 0 11 2
Cameroon 2021 Did not qualify 6 3 1 2 8 7
Ivory Coast 2023 Third place 3rd 7 2 4 1 7 3 4 3 1 0 7 3
Morocco 2025 Qualified 6 4 2 0 16 5
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined To be determined
2029
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.

African Nations Championship

African Nations Championship
Appearances: 2
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
Ivory Coast 2009 Did not qualify
Sudan 2011 Quarter-finals 6th 4 3 0 1 6 4
South Africa 2014 Group stage 9th 3 1 1 1 5 5
Rwanda 2016 Did not qualify
Morocco 2018
Cameroon 2020
Algeria 2022
KenyaTanzaniaUganda 2024 To be determined
Total Quarter-finals 2/7 7 4 1 2 11 9

Head-to-head record

As of 13 June 2025 after match against Comoros

Opponent GP W D L GF GA GD win %
 Algeria 5 1 3 1 4 5 −1 25.00%
 Andorra 1 0 1 0 1 1 −0 0.00%
 Angola 15 8 6 1 18 10 +8 53.33%
 Argentina 2 0 1 1 1 3 −2 0.00%
 Australia 21 11 4 6 47 27 +20 52.38%
 Benin 3 3 0 0 6 1 +5 100.00%
 Bolivia 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 0.00%
 Botswana 17 12 6 0 28 9 +19 70.58%
 Brazil 5 0 0 5 3 12 −9 0.00%
 Bulgaria 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0.00%
 Burkina Faso 9 5 3 1 14 6 +8 55.56%
 Burundi 2 2 0 0 4 0 +4 100.00%
 Cameroon 9 3 5 1 14 10 +4 33.33%
 Canada 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00%
 Cape Verde 6 2 2 2 6 6 0 33.33%
 Central African Republic 2 2 0 0 5 0 +5 100.00%
 Chad 2 2 0 0 7 0 +7 100.00%
 Chile 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0.00%
 Colombia 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100.00%
 Congo 12 6 5 1 14 5 +9 50.00%
 Comoros 3 2 1 0 4 1 +3 66.67%
 Costa Rica 2 2 0 0 3 1 +2 100.00%
 Czech Republic 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0.00%
 Denmark 3 1 2 0 3 2 +1 33.33%
 DR Congo 8 5 2 1 9 5 +4 71.43%
 Ecuador 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00%
 Egypt 12 7 1 4 11 8 +3 58.33
 England 2 0 0 2 2 4 −2 0.00%
 Equatorial Guinea 3 2 1 0 5 1 +4 66.67%
 Swaziland 12 10 2 0 29 7 +22 83.33%
 Ethiopia 4 2 1 1 5 4 −1 50.00%
 France 4 1 1 3 3 11 −8 25.00%
 Gabon 4 3 0 1 10 3 +7 75.00%
 Gambia 2 1 1 0 4 0 0 50.00%
 Georgia 1 0 0 1 1 4 −3 0.00%
 Germany 4 0 1 3 2 9 −7 0.00%
 Ghana 15 5 5 5 13 13 0 35.71
 Guatemala 2 1 1 0 6 1 +5 35.71
 Guinea 2 0 1 2 0 3 −3 0.00%
 Guinea-Bissau 1 1 0 0 3 1 +2 100.00%
 Honduras 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0.00%
 Iceland 3 0 1 2 2 6 −4 0.00%
 Indonesia 1 0 1 0 2 2 0 0.00%
 Iraq 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00%
 Israel 1 1 0 0 2 1 +1 100.00%
 Italy 2 0 0 2 0 3 −3 0.00%
 Ivory Coast 8 2 5 1 7 5 +2 25.00
 Jamaica 5 1 4 0 6 4 +2 20.00%
 Japan 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00%
 Kenya 4 3 1 0 6 2 +4 75.00%
 Lesotho 14 8 4 2 24 10 +14 57.14
 Liberia 4 2 2 0 7 5 +2 50.00%
 Libya 2 1 1 0 2 1 +1 50.00%
 Madagascar 6 4 2 0 5 0 +5 66.67%
 Malawi 14 9 4 1 20 5 +15 64.28%
 Mali 6 2 2 2 7 7 0 40.00%
 Malta 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00%
 Mauritania 2 0 1 1 2 4 −2 0.00%
 Mauritius 14 10 3 1 24 5 +19 71.42%
 Mexico 4 1 1 2 5 10 −5 25.00%
 Morocco 9 4 3 2 14 10 +4 37.50%
 Mozambique 9 7 2 0 19 6 +13 77.78%
 Namibia 12 7 4 1 22 9 +9 54.54%
 Netherlands 2 0 0 2 1 4 −3 0.00%
 New Zealand 6 5 1 0 26 9 +17 83.00%
 Niger 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 50.00%
 Nigeria 17 2 7 8 12 27 −15 11.76%
 North Korea 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00%
 Northern Ireland 1 0 0 1 1 2 −1 0.00%
 Norway 3 1 0 2 2 3 −1 33.33%
 Panama 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0.00%
 Paraguay 4 1 3 0 7 4 +3 25.00%
 Poland 2 1 0 1 1 1 0 50.00%
 Portugal 2 0 0 2 1 5 −4 0.00%
 Republic of Ireland 2 0 0 2 1 3 −2 0.00%
 Rwanda 1 0 0 1 0 2 −2 0.00%
 Saudi Arabia 4 1 2 1 3 3 0 25.00%
 Scotland 2 1 0 1 2 1 +1 50.00%
 Senegal 10 2 4 4 10 13 −3 20.00%
 Serbia 1 0 0 1 1 3 −2 0.00%
 Seychelles 3 2 1 0 9 0 +9 66.67%
 Sierra Leone 4 1 3 1 4 1 −1 0.00%
 Slovenia 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00%
 São Tomé and Príncipe 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 100.00%
 South Sudan 2 2 0 0 6 2 +4 100.00%
 Spain 4 1 0 3 5 8 −3 25.00%
 Sudan 4 3 0 1 6 1 +5 100.00%
 Sweden 2 1 0 1 1 3 −2 50.00%
 Tanzania 4 1 2 1 2 2 0 25.00%
 Thailand 1 1 0 0 4 0 +4 100.00%
 Togo 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0%
 Trinidad and Tobago 2 1 0 1 2 3 −1 50.00%
 Tunisia 7 2 2 3 7 9 −2 28.57%
 Turkey 1 1 0 0 2 0 +2 100.00%
 Uganda 7 5 2 0 13 8 +5 71.42%
 United Arab Emirates 1 0 0 1 0 1 −1 0.00%
 Uruguay 3 0 1 2 3 7 −4 0.00%
 United States 3 0 0 3 0 6 −6 0.00%
 Zambia 23 6 9 8 22 25 −3 26.09%
 Zimbabwe 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

  • Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
    • 1 Champions (1): 1997

Continental

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
  1. 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 1 2 3 Total
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

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Sudáfrica para niños

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