Mzansi cheers on Bafana Bafana ahead of opening World Cup match
Scores of South Africans have taken to social media to wish Bafana Bafana good luck ahead of their World Cup clash against Mexico.
Bafana Bafana will have the nation's support when their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign gets underway.
South Africa will face co-hosts Mexico in the tournament's opening match on Thursday, June 11.
The clash is taking place at Mexico City Stadium (also known as Estadio Azteca).
Mamelodi Sundowns player Ronwen Williams will captain the team, who are hoping to make history by winning South Africa's first-ever World Cup.
The two teams last faced each other in the tournament at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. The match, which was held at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, ended in a 1-1 draw.
Siphiwe Tshabalala scored South Africa's opening goal, becoming an instant hero.
Williams, who was 18 at the time, is confident that the team will once again do Mzansi proud. He can remember Tshabalala's goal as if it were yesterday.
“I could remember hearing whistles, sirens going off, vuvuzelas: there was a lot of noise," he told Olympics.com.
The captain will have a guardian angel when it takes to the pitch in Mexico. His older brother, Marvin, who passed away in a car accident shortly before the 2010 tournament started.
"He believed in me so much."
Bafana Bafana will have a lucky charm on Thursday. 'Water' hitmaker Tyla will perform South Africa's national anthem.
The 24-year-old also recorded a World Cup song, 'Game Time', with rapper Future for the tournament.
"She has been PROUDLY South African since the beginning! Fly that flag higher, Tyla," one person wrote on X.
Social media users have also been showing Bafana Bafana some love ahead of their big match.
"We are Bafana Bafana, and we are READY," one soccer fan said.
A second wrote: "All the best, Bafana Bafana. This is so emotionally i [sic] feel like crying."
A third commented: "We are behind you @BafanaBafana, please be yourselves and enjoy. We love you, boys!"
READ: Tyla set to voice 'Inflatable Flamingo' in 'Toy Story 5'
We are behind you @BafanaBafana, please be yourselves and enjoy. We love you, boys! 🇿🇦 https://t.co/NFuiKOomKj pic.twitter.com/x7srJqvZDT
— 🏴☠️يكون نعمة (@budahyeah) June 11, 2026
We are Bafana Bafana and we are READY. 🇿🇦❤️🙏 pic.twitter.com/R88fEvstSh
— Akani Nwanati (@AkanimiltonM) June 11, 2026
KE NAKO BAFANA.... WE ARE BACK WHERE WE BELONG 🇿🇦💚💛🙌🏾⚽ pic.twitter.com/ldHqYfHv4g
— BAFANA BAFANA🇿🇦 QUALIFIED FOR FIFA WC 2026🤲🏽 (@KB_Ramasimong) June 11, 2026
I have landed in Mexico to support Bafana Bafana , pic.twitter.com/MIcKzKwAVL
— MamaJoy Chauke (@JoyChauke5) June 10, 2026
All the best Bafana Bafana. This is so emotionally i feel like crying.🥹🥰❤️🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/aCpGGqxlce
— Black-Jesus💧🇿🇦 (@KingMntungwa) June 11, 2026
South Africa VS Mexico match details
Date: Thursday, June 11
Kick-off time: 21:00 (South African time)
Stadium: Estadio Azteca (Mexico City Stadium)
Captain: Ronwen Williams
Coach: Hugo Broos
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok
Image credit: Instagram/@bafanabafanaofficial