Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has paid tribute to two young South African sportsmen following a heartbreaking week that left the nation in mourning after the deaths of Bafana Bafana midfielder Jayden Adams and former South Africa Under-18 rugby player Luqobo Makwedini.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has urged South Africans to rally behind Bafana Bafana as they prepare for a crucial final FIFA World Cup group-stage clash against South Korea on Thursday.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie insists Bafana Bafana can still bounce back from their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup defeat against Mexico, drawing parallels with the Springboks’ historic 2019 Rugby World Cup triumph.
Double Rugby World Cup-winning coach Rassie Erasmus has thrown his weight behind Bafana Bafana ahead of tonight’s 2026 FIFA World Cup opening match against Mexico at the Estadio Azteca, revealing the entire Springbok camp is gripped by football fever.
Springbok icon Siya Kolisi believes Bafana Bafana can defy global expectations and achieve greatness at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, urging the national football team to draw inspiration from South Africa’s rich sporting heritage. Kolisi understands better than most what it takes to conquer the world against all odds. When he and head coach Rassie
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa says the country will declare a public holiday if Bafana Bafana win the FIFA World Cup on 19 July.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has kept the specifics of Siya Kolisi’s team talk under wraps, but the intent was clear: South Africa’s football stars must adopt a championship mentality to succeed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The eThekwini Municipality confirmed that Metro Police, working with various law enforcement agencies, successfully recovered R1.1 million worth of counterfeit Springbok-branded merchandise following a major sporting event in the city.
Bafana Bafana, FIFA World Cup, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Football, Rugby, Rugby Championship, Rugby World Cup, Springboks
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has shared details of his meeting with Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, revealing they bonded over the shared pressures of coaching a national team.