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South Africa national soccer team facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
This page is about the men's soccer team. For the women's team, see South Africa women's national soccer team.
Quick facts for kids
South Africa
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname 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
FIFA ranking
Current 74 Decrease 2 (7 February 2019)
Highest 16 (August 1996)
Lowest 124 (December 1992)
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 4 (first in 1998)
Best result Round of 32 (2026)
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 3 (first in 2011)
Best result Quarter-finals (2011)
Confederations Cup
Appearances 2 (first in 1997)
Best result Fourth place (2009)
Medal record
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
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations
Gold 1997 South Africa and Saudi Arabia Team
COSAFA Cup
Gold 2002 Southern Africa Team
Gold 2007 Southern Africa Team
Gold 2008 South Africa Team
Gold 2016 Namibia Team
Gold 2021 South Africa Team
Silver 2025 South Africa Team
Bronze 2000 Southern Africa Team
Bronze 2005 Mauritius, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia Team
Bronze 2013 Zambia Team
Bronze 2023 South Africa Team

The South Africa national soccer team, often called Bafana Bafana (which means "Young Men" in Zulu), represents South Africa in international men's football. The South African Football Association (SAFA) manages the team. They are known for their green and gold uniforms.

Bafana Bafana played their first match way back in 1906. However, they were banned from international football for many years because of a system called apartheid, which separated people based on their race. They returned to play on the world stage in 1992.

South Africa has played in the FIFA World Cup four times: in 1998, 2002, 2010 (as hosts), and 2026. In 2010, they were the first African country to host the World Cup! They even beat France 2-1 in one game, but they didn't make it past the first round. In 2026, they made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time.

Their biggest win was in 1996 when they hosted and won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). They also reached the final in 1998 and finished third in 2000 and 2023.

The Journey of Bafana Bafana

Early Days and Challenges

Football came to South Africa in the late 1800s. For many years, the sport was affected by a system called apartheid. This system separated people based on their race. Because of this, different football associations were formed for different racial groups.

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

In 1906, a South African team toured South America, playing 12 matches and winning most of them. However, only white players were allowed on this team.

Later, in 1956, South Africa helped create the Confederation of African Football (CAF). But because of apartheid, South Africa could not send mixed-race teams to play. This was against the rules of fair sport. So, South Africa was disqualified from the 1957 Africa Cup of Nations and later expelled from CAF and suspended by FIFA. This ban lasted for many years.

Return to International Football (1990s)

In 1991, as the apartheid system ended, a new football association was formed in South Africa that included all races. This allowed South Africa to rejoin FIFA and play international matches again!

Their first game back was on 7 July 1992, where they beat Cameroon 1-0. It was a very exciting moment for the country.

South Africa tried to qualify for the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and the 1994 FIFA World Cup, but they didn't make it.

Then came their greatest success! In 1996, South Africa hosted and won the 1996 African Cup of Nations. This was a huge achievement and made the team very popular. They even reached 16th place in the FIFA rankings!

After this win, they continued to do well, finishing second in the 1998 Africa Cup of Nations. They also qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1998 in France. They lost to France, but drew with Denmark and Saudi Arabia.

The 2000s: World Cup Appearances

In the early 2000s, Bafana Bafana continued to perform well. They finished third in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations.

They qualified for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan. In their group, they drew with Paraguay and won their first-ever World Cup match against Slovenia (1-0). They played a thrilling game against Spain, losing 3-2. They almost made it to the next round but were eliminated based on goal difference.

South Africa hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup, becoming the first African nation to do so! They played the opening game, drawing 1-1 with Mexico. They also famously beat France 2-1. However, they didn't make it past the group stage, which was a first for a host nation.

The 2010s: Ups and Downs

The 2010s were a mixed bag for Bafana Bafana. They sometimes struggled to qualify for major tournaments. There were also some confusing moments, like when they thought they had qualified for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations but had misread the rules!

Despite these challenges, they hosted the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the quarter-finals. They also qualified for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where they caused a big upset by beating hosts Egypt in the Round of 16, before losing to Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

The 2020s: A New Chapter

In the early 2020s, South Africa faced more challenges, failing to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

However, things started to look up! They qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was held in January 2024. They had an amazing tournament, finishing third! They beat Morocco, a team that had done very well in the 2022 World Cup, and won a penalty shootout against Cabo Verde, thanks to their fantastic captain and goalkeeper, Ronwen Williams.

The biggest news came in October 2025 when South Africa qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup! This ended a 16-year wait since their last appearance. In June 2026, they played in the World Cup and made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time ever! They beat South Korea 1-0 in a key match. Their journey ended in the Round of 32 with a close 1-0 loss to Canada.

In December 2025, South Africa also competed in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the Round of 16.

Team Identity: Nickname, Stadiums, and Kits

The Nickname "Bafana Bafana"

The South African national team is famously known as "Bafana Bafana". This name comes from the Nguni language and means "Young Men" or "Go boys! Go boys!". Fans started shouting it during a match in 1992, and it quickly became the team's official nickname. It shows the spirit of togetherness, like the African idea of ubuntu.

Home Stadiums

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

Bafana Bafana doesn't have just one home stadium. They play their matches in different stadiums across South Africa. The biggest one is the 94,700-seater Soccer City in Soweto, near Johannesburg. Other important stadiums they use include Atteridgeville Super Stadium, Royal Bafokeng Stadium, Free State Stadium, and Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Team Kits and Crest

Over the years, Bafana Bafana has used different logos on their jerseys. They often have two main logos:

  • The Protea emblem, a national symbol of South Africa, is usually on the right side of the jersey.
  • The South African Football Association (SAFA) badge is on the left side. It often has a star above it to celebrate their win in the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

Sometimes, a special emblem with two stars shaped like footballers is also used, showing the team's goals and achievements.

Kit Sponsors

The team's kit (uniform) has been supplied by different companies over the years.

  • From 1992 to 1998, Kappa supplied their kits.
  • From 1999 to 2010, the German company Adidas was their sponsor.
  • Then, Puma took over from 2011 to 2013.
  • From 2014 to 2020, the American company Nike provided the kits.
  • From 2020 to 2025, the French company Le Coq Sportif was the official kit provider.
  • In 2026, Adidas returned as the kit provider, just in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team also has other sponsors, like Castle Lager, Energade, and Tsogo Sun Hotels.

Kit provider Period
Italy Kappa 1992–1998
Germany Adidas 2022 logo.svg Adidas 1999–2010
GermanyPuma 2011–2013
United States Logo NIKE.svg Nike 2014–2020
FranceLe Coq Sportif 2020–2025
Germany Adidas 2022 logo.svg Adidas 2026–present

Recent Matches and Schedule

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

Here are the results of Bafana Bafana's matches from the last year, and any upcoming games.

      Win       Draw       Loss       Fixture

2025 Matches

5 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Lesotho  0–3  South Africa Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2
  • Nkota Goal 20'
  • Foster Goal 65'
  • Appollis Goal 67'
 Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Dickens Mimisa (Kenya)
9 September 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  1–1  Nigeria Bloemfontein, South Africa
18:00 UTC+2 Troost-Ekong Goal 25' (o.g.) Bassey Goal 44' Stadium: Free State Stadium
Referee: Pierre Atcho (Gabon)
10 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zimbabwe  0–0  South Africa Durban, South Africa
Stadium: Moses Mabhida Stadium
14 October 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification South Africa  3–0  Rwanda Mbombela, South Africa
Mbatha Goal 5'

Appollis Goal 26'

Makgopa Goal 72'		 Stadium: Mbombela Stadium
15 November Friendly South Africa  3–1  Zambia Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 UTC+2
  • Appollis Goal 43'
  • Nkota Goal 62'
  • Sithole Goal 68'
  • Sabobo Goal 90+2'
 Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
Referee: Naftal Negongo (Namibia)
16 December Friendly South Africa  1–0  Ghana B Soweto, South Africa
16:00 UTC+2 Mbule Goal 58' Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium
22 December 2025 AFCON Group B South Africa  2–1  Angola Marrakesh, Morocco
18:00 UTC+1
  • Appollis Goal 21'
  • Foster Goal 79'
 Show Goal 35' Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium
Attendance: 4,013
Referee: Mahmood Ismail (Sudan)
26 December 2025 AFCON Group B Egypt  1–0  South Africa Agadir, Morocco
16:00 UTC+1
Stadium: Adrar Stadium
Attendance: 40,219
Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
29 December 2025 AFCON Group B Zimbabwe  2–3  South Africa Marrakesh, Morocco
17:00 UTC+1
  • Maswanhise Goal 19'
  • Modiba Goal 73' (o.g.)
  • Moremi Goal 7'
  • Foster Goal 50'
  • Appollis Goal 82' (pen)
 Stadium: Marrakesh Stadium
Attendance: 9,235
Referee: Mustapha Kech Chaf (Morocco)

2026 Matches

4 January 2025 AFCON Round of 16 South Africa  1–2  Cameroon Rabat, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
  • Makgopa Goal 88'
  • Tchamadeu Goal 34'
  • Kofane Goal 47'
 Stadium: Al Medina Stadium
Attendance: 14,127
Referee: Peter Waweru (Kenya)
27 March Friendly South Africa  1–1  Panama Durban, South Africa
19:00 UTC+2 Appollis Goal 48' Bárcenas Goal 23' Stadium: Moses Mabhida Stadium
Attendance: 14,000
Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botswana)
31 March Friendly South Africa  1–2  Panama Cape Town, South Africa
19:30 UTC+2
  • Mbokazi Goal 64'
  • Córdoba Goal 58'
  • Ramos Goal 77'
 Stadium: Cape Town Stadium
Referee: Thabang Ketshabile (Botsawana)
29 May Friendly South Africa  0–0  Nicaragua Soweto, South Africa
21:30 UTC+2 Stadium: Orlando Stadium
6 June Friendly Jamaica  1–1  South Africa Pachuca, Mexico (BCD)
15:30 UTC−6
  • Atkinson Goal 90+3'
  • Appollis Goal 32'
 Stadium: Estadio Hidalgo
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Mexico  2–0  South Africa Mexico City, Mexico
13:00 UTC−6
Stadium: Estadio Azteca
Attendance: 80,824
Referee: Wilton Sampaio (Brazil)
18 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Czech Republic  1–1  South Africa Atlanta, Georgia, United States
12:00 UTC−4
  • Sadílek Goal 6'
  • Mokoena Goal 83'
 Stadium: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Attendance: 67,442
Referee: Tori Penso (United States)
25 June 2026 FIFA World Cup South Africa  1–0  South Korea Guadalupe, Mexico
19:00 UTC−6
  • Maseko Goal 63'
 Stadium: Estadio BBVA
Attendance: 51,243
Referee: Facundo Tello (Argentina)
28 June 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 32 South Africa  0–1  Canada Inglewood, California, United States
12:00 UTC−7
  • Eustáquio Goal 90+2'
 Stadium: SoFi Stadium
Attendance: 69,237
Referee: João Pinheiro (Portugal)
TBD 2027 AFCON qualification South Africa  v  Guinea TBD, South Africa
TBD Stadium: TBD
TBD 2027 AFCON qualification Guinea  v  South Africa TBD, Guinea
TBD Stadium: TBD
TBD 2027 AFCON qualification South Africa  v  Kenya TBD, South Africa
TBD Stadium: TBD
TBD 2027 AFCON qualification Kenya  v  South Africa TBD, Kenya
TBD Stadium: TBD
TBD 2027 AFCON qualification South Africa  v  Eritrea TBD, South Africa
TBD Stadium: TBD
TBD 2027 AFCON qualification Eritrea  v  South Africa TBD, Eritrea
TBD Stadium: TBD

Coaching Staff

Hugo Broos Trabzonspor OTRS
Current head coach Hugo Broos
Position Staff
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

Here are the coaches who have led Bafana Bafana over the years. Caretaker managers (who fill in temporarily) are shown 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)

Meet the Players

Current Squad

These are the players who were part of the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and a friendly match in May 2026.
Caps (games played) and goals are correct as of 28 June 2026, after the match against Canada.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1 1GK Ronwen Williams (captain) (1992-01-21) 21 January 1992 (age 34) 66 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
16 1GK Sipho Chaine (1996-12-14) 14 December 1996 (age 29) 4 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
22 1GK Ricardo Goss (1994-04-02) 2 April 1994 (age 32) 5 0 South Africa Siwelele
2 2DF Thabang Matuludi (1999-01-14) 14 January 1999 (age 27) 3 0 South Africa Polokwane City
3 2DF Khulumani Ndamane (2004-02-05) 5 February 2004 (age 22) 5 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
6 2DF Aubrey Modiba (fifth captain) (1995-07-22) 22 July 1995 (age 30) 45 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
14 2DF Mbekezeli Mbokazi (2005-09-19) 19 September 2005 (age 20) 14 1 United States Chicago Fire
18 2DF Samukele Kabini (2004-03-15) 15 March 2004 (age 22) 6 0 Norway Molde
19 2DF Nkosinathi Sibisi (1995-09-22) 22 September 1995 (age 30) 21 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
20 2DF Khuliso Mudau (1995-04-26) 26 April 1995 (age 31) 36 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
21 2DF Ime Okon (2004-02-20) 20 February 2004 (age 22) 7 0 Germany Hannover 96
24 2DF Olwethu Makhanya (2004-04-30) 30 April 2004 (age 22) 1 0 United States Philadelphia Union
25 2DF Kamogelo Sebelebele (2002-07-21) 21 July 2002 (age 23) 4 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
26 2DF Bradley Cross (2001-01-30) 30 January 2001 (age 25) 1 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs
4 3MF Teboho Mokoena (fourth captain) (1997-01-24) 24 January 1997 (age 29) 54 10 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
5 3MF Thalente Mbatha (2000-03-06) 6 March 2000 (age 26) 19 3 South Africa Orlando Pirates
13 3MF Yaya Sithole (1999-03-03) 3 March 1999 (age 27) 31 1 Portugal Tondela
23 3MF Jayden Adams (2001-05-05) 5 May 2001 (age 25) 9 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
7 4FW Oswin Appollis (2001-08-25) 25 August 2001 (age 24) 31 9 South Africa Orlando Pirates
8 4FW Tshepang Moremi (2000-10-02) 2 October 2000 (age 25) 12 1 South Africa Orlando Pirates
9 4FW Lyle Foster (2000-05-09) 9 May 2000 (age 26) 28 10 England Burnley
10 4FW Relebohile Mofokeng (2004-10-23) 23 October 2004 (age 21) 16 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates
11 4FW Themba Zwane (vice-captain) (1989-08-03) 3 August 1989 (age 36) 55 12 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
12 4FW Thapelo Maseko (2003-11-11) 11 November 2003 (age 22) 10 2 Cyprus AEL Limassol
15 4FW Iqraam Rayners (1995-12-19) 19 December 1995 (age 30) 18 4 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns
17 4FW Evidence Makgopa (2000-06-05) 5 June 2000 (age 26) 30 6 South Africa Orlando Pirates

Recent Call-ups

These players were called up to the squad in the last 12 months. Caps and goals are from when they played.


Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Brandon Petersen (1994-09-22) 22 September 1994 (age 31) 0 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
GK Renaldo Leaner (1998-02-12) 12 February 1998 (age 28) 3 0 South Africa Sekhukhune United v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
GK Darren Johnson (1997-02-22) 22 February 1997 (age 29) 0 0 South Africa AmaZulu v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
DF Thabiso Monyane (2000-04-30) 30 April 2000 (age 26) 2 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
DF Deano van Rooyen (1996-11-24) 24 November 1996 (age 29) 2 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
DF Tylon Smith (2005-05-09) 9 May 2005 (age 21) 1 0 England Queens Park Rangers v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
DF Vuyo Letlapa (2003-08-08) 8 August 2003 (age 22) 0 0 South Africa Sekhukhune United v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
DF Siyabonga Ngezana (1997-07-15) 15 July 1997 (age 28) 11 0 Romania FCSB 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Thabo Moloisane (1999-02-24) 24 February 1999 (age 27) 2 0 South Africa Stellenbosch 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Fawaaz Basadien (1996-12-23) 23 December 1996 (age 29) 4 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Malibongwe Khoza (2004-03-16) 16 March 2004 (age 22) 4 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Keegan Allan (2000-08-07) 7 August 2000 (age 25) 0 0 South Africa AmaZulu 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Fezile Gcaba (1999-03-03) 3 March 1999 (age 27) 0 0 South Africa Durban City 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Nyiko Mobbie (1994-09-11) 11 September 1994 (age 31) 30 0 South Africa Siwelele v.  Nigeria, 9 September 2025
DF Zuko Mdunyelwa (1999-06-06) 6 June 1999 (age 27) 1 0 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns v.  Nigeria, 9 September 2025
MF Lebohang Maboe (1994-09-17) September 17, 1994 (age 31) 17 3 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Brooklyn Poggenpoel (1999-10-03) October 3, 1999 (age 26) 0 0 South Africa Durban City 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
MF Luke Le Roux (2000-03-10) 10 March 2000 (age 26) 9 0 England Portsmouth v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
MF Ndamulelo Maphangule (1999-10-22) 22 October 1999 (age 26) 1 0 South Africa Polokwane City v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
MF Mthetheleli Mthiyane (2001-01-21) 21 January 2001 (age 25) 0 0 South Africa Stellenbosch v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
MF Bathusi Aubaas (1998-07-11) 11 July 1998 (age 27) 16 1 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Sipho Mbule (1998-03-22) 22 March 1998 (age 28) 8 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Mduduzi Shabalala (2004-01-20) 20 January 2004 (age 22) 1 0 South Africa Kaizer Chiefs 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Sphesihle Maduna (1999-12-26) 26 December 1999 (age 26) 0 0 South Africa TS Galaxy 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Siphesihle Mkhize (1999-02-05) 5 February 1999 (age 27) 0 0 South Africa Sekhukhune United 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Masindi Nemtajela (2001-08-23) 23 August 2001 (age 24) 0 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Thapelo Morena (1993-08-06) 6 August 1993 (age 32) 33 3 South Africa Mamelodi Sundowns 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Patrick Maswanganyi (1998-04-04) 4 April 1998 (age 28) 5 2 South Africa Orlando Pirates 2026 FIFA World Cup PRE
FW Bongokuhle Hlongwane (2000-06-20) 20 June 2000 (age 26) 19 4 United States Minnesota United v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
FW Mohau Nkota (2004-11-09) 9 November 2004 (age 21) 9 2 Saudi Arabia Al-Ettifaq v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
FW Yanela Mbuthuma (2002-02-23) 23 February 2002 (age 24) 1 0 South Africa Orlando Pirates v.  Panama, 31 March 2026
FW Elias Mokwana (1999-09-08) 8 September 1999 (age 26) 11 2 Saudi Arabia Al-Hazem 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Shandre Campbell (2005-07-15) 15 July 2005 (age 20) 0 0 Belgium Club Brugge 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Mihlali Mayambela (1996-08-25) 25 August 1996 (age 29) 16 2 Cyprus Omonia 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Ashley Cupido (2001-05-05) 5 May 2001 (age 25) 0 0 South Africa Stellenbosch 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Puso Dithejane (2004-07-24) 24 July 2004 (age 21) 0 0 United States Chicago Fire 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Keletso Makgalwa (1997-01-03) 3 January 1997 (age 29) 0 0 South Africa Sekhukhune United 2025 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
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

Here are some of the squads that represented South Africa in major tournaments:

Team Records

Most Appearances

These players have played the most games for South Africa. Players in bold are still active.

Rank Player Caps Goals Career
1 Aaron Mokoena 107 1 1999–2010
2 Itumeleng Khune 91 0 2008–2020
3 Siphiwe Tshabalala 90 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

These players have scored the most goals for South Africa.

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 52 0.31 2015–2025
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 55 0.22 2014–present
Siphiwe Tshabalala 12 89 0.13 2006–2017

Tournament History

FIFA World Cup

Main article: South Africa at the FIFA World Cup

South Africa has played in the FIFA World Cup four times. They did not make it past the first round in 1998, 2002, or 2010. In 2002, they won their first World Cup game against Slovenia (1-0). In 2010, as hosts, they famously beat France 2-1. In 2026, they made history by reaching the Round of 32 for the first time!

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 Round of 32 TBD 4 1 1 2 2 4 10 5 3 2 14 9
Morocco Portugal Spain 2030 To be determined To be determined
Saudi Arabia 2034
Total:4/15 Round of 32 17th 12 3 5 4 13 19 66 37 12 17 87 56

FIFA Confederations Cup

Main article: South Africa at the FIFA Confederations Cup

South Africa has played in the FIFA Confederations Cup twice. Their best result was finishing fourth in 2009 when they hosted the tournament.

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

South Africa's greatest football achievement was winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996. They have also been runners-up once and finished third twice.

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 3 0 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 Round of 16 10th 4 2 0 2 6 6 6 4 2 0 16 5
Kenya Tanzania Uganda 2027 To be determined To be determined
2028
Total 1 Title 12/35 54 20 17 17 61 54 84 39 29 16 120 71
*Red border colour indicates tournament was held on home soil.

Head-to-Head Records

As of 28 June 2026 after match against Canada

This table shows how South Africa has performed against different teams.

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 16 9 6 1 20 11 +9 56.25%
 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 10 3 5 2 15 12 +3 30.00%
 Canada 2 1 0 1 2 1 +1 50.00%
 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 2 0 2 0 3 3 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 13 7 1 5 11 9 +2 53.84%
 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 5 1 1 3 3 11 −8 20.00%
 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
 Ghana B 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00%
 Guatemala 2 1 1 0 6 1 +5 35.71
 Guinea 3 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 6 1 5 0 7 5 +2 20.00%
 Japan 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0.00%
 Kenya 4 3 1 0 6 2 +4 75.00%
 Lesotho 15 9 4 2 27 10 +17 60.00
 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 5 1 1 3 5 12 −7 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%
 Nicaragua 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0%
 Niger 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 50.00%
 Nigeria 18 2 8 8 13 28 −15 11.11%
 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 3 0 2 1 3 4 –1 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 2 1 0 1 3 2 +1 50.00%
 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 5 1 3 1 4 1 −1 20.00%
 South Korea 1 1 0 0 1 0 +1 100.00%
 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 24 7 9 8 25 26 −1 29.17%
 Zimbabwe 18 9 3 6 30 18 +12 50.00%
Total 498 225 152 121 634 434 +200 45.07%

Performance by Federation

This table shows Bafana Bafana's record against teams from different football regions around the world.

Name Pld Win Draw Loss GF GA GD Win%
AFC 32 13 10 9 55 31 +24 40.63%
CAF 348 176 101 63 484 269 +215 50.57%
CONCACAF 22 6 9 7 26 28 −2 27.27%
CONMEBOL 21 3 7 11 20 33 −11 14.28%
OFC 6 5 1 0 26 9 +17 83.00%
UEFA 47 10 8 29 38 72 −34 21.27%
Total 476 216 143 117 652 442 +210 45.38%

Team Achievements

Intercontinental Trophies

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

Continental Trophies

Regional Trophies

  • COSAFA Cup
    • 1 Champions (5): 2002, 2007, 2008, 2016, 2021
    • 2 Runners-up (1)  : 2025
    • 3 Third place (4): 2013, 2023

Friendly Tournament Wins

  • Four Nations Tournament (1): 2018

Special Awards

  • FIFA Best Mover of the Year (1): 1996
  • African National Team of the Year (1): 1996
  • FIFA Confederations Cup Fair Play Award (1): 1997
  • Africa Cup of Nations Fair Play Award (1): 2023

Summary of Major Trophies

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

Images for kids

  • Bafana joshua smith

    The national team in 2018

  • FRA-RSA 2010-06-22

    South Africa-France starting lineups at the 2010 World Cup

  • FIFA World Cup 2010 South Africa Uruguay

    South Africa hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Uruguay

See also

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

kids search engine
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