120 South African Football Facts

Cities like Gqeberha are pretty starved when it comes to Top Flight sport at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

The Springboks snubbed Gqeberha in 2024, The Eastern Province Rugby Team is a shadow of it’s former glory and the Southern Kings a historic Wikipedia entry.

BUT, all is not lost as South Africa’s National Football team plied tyheir trade at the stadium on 10 October against Congo Brazzaville.

In celebration and thanks here are 120 facts about football in South Africa:

1. Bafana Bafana is the nickname for the South African national football team
2. The name “Bafana Bafana” means “The Boys” in Zulu
3. The team is governed by the South African Football Association (SAFA)
4. They represent South Africa in international men’s football
5. The team’s colors are gold, green, and black
6. Bafana Bafana was founded in 1992
7. The team played its first official match against Cameroon on July 17, 1992
8. South Africa was banned from international football from 1961 to 1992 due to apartheid
9. They made their first appearance in the FIFA World Cup in 1998
10. The team’s first major tournament win was the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)
11. Bafana Bafana won the 1996 AFCON hosted in South Africa
12. They finished as runners-up in the 1998 AFCON
13. The team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup three times: 1998, 2002, and 2010
14. In 2010 , South Africa became the first African nation to host the FIFA World Cup
15. Bafana Bafana reached the semi-finals of the 2000 AFCON
16. Lucas Radebe is one of the most famous players to have represented Bafana Bafana
17. Benni McCarthy , the team’s all-time leading scorer, scored 31 goals
18. Aaron Mokoena holds the record for the most caps, with 108 appearances
19. Teko Modise was named the South African Player of the Year in 2008
20. Itumeleng Khune is known as one of the best goalkeepers in the team’s history
21. The first coach of Bafana Bafana was Clive Barker
22. Carlos Alberto Parreira had multiple stints as head coach, including leading the team in the 2010 World Cup
23. Shakes Mashaba served as head coach from 2014 to 2016
24. The current head coach (as of 2023) is Hugo Broos
25. The team has seen several coaching changes due to performance-related issues
26. Bafana Bafana has a fierce rivalry with Egypt
27. Another notable rivalry is with Nigeria , often referred to as the “Battle of the Giants
28. Bafana Bafana’s last AFCON appearance was in 2019
29. The team failed to qualify for the 2021 AFCON
30. They reached the quarter-finals in the 2019 AFCON
31. Bafana Bafana has a passionate fan base known as the “Bafana Bafana Supporters Club
32. The team has a rich history of engaging with communities through outreach programs
33. Bafana Bafana’s anthem is “Shosholoza,” a popular South African song
34. The team has participated in various international tournaments beyond AFCON and the World Cup
35. Bafana Bafana has experienced both highs and lows in their journey, often reflecting the nation’s socio-political changes
36. The team has undergone several rebranding efforts to enhance its image and connection with fans
37. Bafana Bafana’s performances are closely followed by South African media and fans alike
38. The team’s historical significance goes beyond football, representing hope and resilience for many South Africans
39. Bafana Bafana has used football as a platform to address social issues within the country
40. The team’s legacy is intertwined with the story of South Africa’s transition to democracy
41. Bafana Bafana continues to inspire young athletes across the nation
42. South Africa has a rich football culture, with numerous clubs competing in various leagues
43. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the top professional football league in South Africa
44. The PSL was established in 1996 , replacing the National Soccer League (NSL)
45. Clubs in South Africa are often supported by passionate fan bases
46. The South African football season typically runs from August to May
47. Kaizer Chiefs is one of the most popular and successful football clubs in South Africa
48. Orlando Pirates is another major club, known for its rich history and fierce rivalry with Kaizer Chiefs
49. Mamelodi Sundowns has been dominant in recent years, winning multiple league titles and continental trophies
50. Bidvest Wits was known for its strong youth development programs before its closure in 2020
51. SuperSport United is consistently competitive in both domestic and continental tournaments
52. Kaizer Chiefs has won the PSL title over 50 times , making them one of the most decorated clubs
53. Orlando Pirates won the CAF Champions League in 1995 , becoming the first South African team to do so
54. Mamelodi Sundowns lifted the CAF Champions League trophy in 2016
55. The MTN8 and Telkom Knockout are major domestic cup competitions featuring top clubs
56. Clubs like Cape Town City and AmaZulu have also made significant contributions to South African football
57. Doctor Khumalo is a legendary player associated with Kaizer Chiefs
58. Benni McCarthy , a former player for both Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates, is South Africa’s all-time leading goal scorer in the national team
59. Teko Modise played for teams like Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, earning significant recognition
60. Itumeleng Khune is a well-known goalkeeper for Kaizer Chiefs
61. Percy Tau gained fame at Mamelodi Sundowns before moving to Europe
62. The “Soweto Derby” is one of the biggest rivalries in South African football, contested between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates
63. Matches between SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits have historically been competitive
64. Cape Town City has developed rivalries with provincial clubs like Ajax Cape Town and Orlando Pirates
65. Many clubs have youth academies aimed at developing local talent
66. Clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs have produced many professional players through their academies
67. The PSL has initiatives to promote youth football and grassroots development
68. Sponsorship deals play a significant role in the financial stability of South African clubs
69. The PSL is considered one of the highest-paying leagues in Africa
70. Clubs often engage in lucrative pre-season tours to boost revenue
71. South African clubs play in various stadiums, with FNB Stadium (Kaizer Chiefs) and Orlando Stadium (Orlando Pirates) being among the most iconic
72. Cape Town Stadium , home to Cape Town City, hosted matches during the 2010 FIFA World Cup
73. Many clubs have invested in upgrading their facilities to enhance fan experiences
74. South African clubs frequently participate in continental competitions such as the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup
75. Mamelodi Sundowns is known for its strong performances in international tournaments
76. Clubs like Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have also had notable runs in international competitions
77. Football clubs play a significant role in South African culture and community identity
78. Many clubs are involved in social responsibility programs, engaging with local communities
79. The rivalry between clubs often transcends sports, representing broader social dynamics
80. South African clubs are increasingly investing in women’s football
81. Banyana Banyana is the women’s national team, with clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies leading the way in the women’s league
82. The 2020/2021 season saw the introduction of a new league format for women’s football
83. The PSL has implemented measures to improve the safety and security of fans in stadiums
84. The rise of digital platforms has changed how clubs engage with fans
85. Clubs often organize fan events and meet-and-greet sessions with players
86. Social media has become a crucial tool for clubs to connect with their supporters
87. Coaches like Pitso Mosimane have made significant impacts at clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns
88. Gavin Hunt has had success with teams like Kaizer Chiefs and Bidvest Wits
89. The PSL has a competitive structure, with teams battling for points in a round-robin format
90. The league has historically seen fluctuations in team performance, with various clubs achieving success over the years
91. The term “Absa Premiership” was used from 2008 to 2020 due to sponsorship
92. Clubs often have distinctive mascots and anthems that reflect their identity
93. The 2010 World Cup significantly boosted the profile of football in South Africa
94. The country has a vibrant football culture, with matches often drawing large crowds
95. Clubs frequently engage in charity matches to support local causes
96. The PSL has attracted international players, enhancing the league’s competitiveness
97. The Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein has hosted important matches outside of traditional football stadiums
98. Clubs like Golden Arrows and Chippa United have been known for promoting local talent
99. The SAFA (South African Football Association) oversees club operations and league regulations
100. The MultiChoice Group is a significant sponsor and partner of the PSL
101. South African clubs continue to evolve, adapting to global football trends while maintaining their unique identity
102. Matches against Zimbabwe are also highly anticipated, known as the “Battle of the Zambezi.
103. Fans often wear the national team’s colors and wave flags during matches
104. The team achieved a 2-0 victory over France in a friendly in 2002
105. Bafana Bafana famously beat Brazil 1-0 in 1996 during the Nelson Mandela Challenge
106. The team had a memorable 2-1 victory over Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup
107. SAFA has implemented youth development programs to nurture future talent
108. The U-20 and U-23 teams serve as feeders to the senior team
109. Bafana Bafana has a women’s counterpart known as Banyana Banyana
110. Both teams share training facilities and support each other
111. Bafana Bafana’s highest FIFA ranking was 16th in 1996
112. The team has played over 150 international matches
113. Their biggest victory was a 12-0 win against Lesotho in 1999
114. The team has a mixed record in international friendlies, with numerous wins and losses
115. Bafana Bafana is a symbol of national pride and unity in post-apartheid South Africa
116. The team’s matches often bring together fans from diverse backgrounds
117. The team is focused on qualifying for the AFCON 2023 and future World Cups
118. Ongoing talent scouting aims to improve the team’s international competitiveness
119. The team’s home ground is FNB Stadium in Johannesburg
120. Bafana Bafana’s motto is “We Are One