South Africa: Call to Rally Behind Bafana Bafana

President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on South Africans to unite behind Bafana Bafana as the national men's football team prepares to make its long-awaited return to the FIFA World Cup.

"They carry with them the best wishes of more than 62 million South Africans who will be cheering them on at every stage of the tournament. Bafana Bafana are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since we hosted the event in 2010," the President said on Monday.

The soccer tournament will be held in Mexico, the United States of America, and Canada.

He urged the entire nation to get behind the team and celebrate the achievement of qualifying for football's biggest tournament.

"I call on all South Africans to rally behind our team and show their support. Let us wear the team colours and fly the flag."

The President also acknowledged the efforts that have gone into rebuilding South African football over the years, crediting government, football administrators, clubs, leagues and sponsors for their contribution to the sport's development.

"It has been a long and difficult journey to transform the fortunes of Bafana Bafana. Credit must go to the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, the South African Football Association, the leagues, clubs and sponsors for their commitment to developing local football over many years. The coach and the players deserve our collective recognition."

He said work continues to professionalise football, nurture emerging talent and encourage participation in the sport among young people across the country.

President Ramaphosa described the national team as ambassadors for South Africa, saying the composition of the squad reflects the country's diversity and commitment to unity.

"Bafana Bafana will be ambassadors for our country and what we stand for. The diversity of the squad and technical team is a reminder to the world that we are a united nation of many races, languages and cultures," he said.

The President said the transformation of sport demonstrates South Africa's commitment to the constitutional values of respect, fairness, tolerance and inclusivity.

Drawing parallels with the unifying power of sport throughout the country's democratic history, President Ramaphosa reflected on the iconic moment during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final when former President Nelson Mandela wore a Springbok jersey to congratulate the national rugby team.

He said that while South Africans hope Bafana Bafana will lift the World Cup trophy, the team's participation itself holds significant meaning for the nation.

"As I told the Bafana Bafana squ