It is their first successful World Cup qualification in 23 years, since appearing at the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea, having been granted their berth 15 years ago as hosts.
Tuesday’s win marked the end of a long, arduous campaign that started in November 2023. Despite a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player, Bafana Bafana were the most consistent team in their pool and are deserving of their place at the tournament.
Here are five key factors behind their successful campaign.
HUGO BROOS EFFECT
When Belgian coach Hugo Broos joined the South Africa setup in 2021, he initially phased out experienced players, declaring he would rebuild the team with youngsters. This approach, which had worked for him when he led Cameroon to the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, was less successful this time round. Facing challenges, he adjusted his strategy, reintegrating older, influential players like Themba Zwane. This culminated in a third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON. Over time, Broos learned to better maximize the resources at his disposal. He has also qualified the side for the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, where he will have another shot at silverware. Throughout, he has fostered a strong bond within the team, transforming them into a tough nut to crack, where previous Bafana sides were a soft touch.
DEFENSIVE STABILITY
South Africa conceded only six goals in their 10 qualifiers and kept five clean sheets, including their 2-0 win over Lesotho, which was later awarded 3-0 to their opponents after Bafana fielded Teboho Mokoena while he was suspended. Four of those clean sheets came in their last five games, with Nigeria the only side to score against them in a 1-1 draw in Bloemfontein. While goals win games, defensive stability is equally vital.
WIDTH ON BOTH FLANKS
South Africa’s attacking players may not be the biggest or most physical, but they possess exceptional skill and trickery on the ball. Players like Oswin Appollis, Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng and Elias Mokwana can create opportunities from nothing, adding width to the team that was previously lacking. This has allowed them to evolve from a one-dimensional style into a multifaceted attacking unit, the most significant recent improvement in their offensive game.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams has been a cornerstone of the team’s success in recent years, despite a slight dip in form over the past few months. As the team’s leader, he commands respect and demonstrates emotional intelligence, knowing how to motivate his teammates in tough moments or calm them when things are going well. An excellent shot-stopper, arguably the best in Africa on his day, Williams is also excellent with his distribution. Standing at 1.84m, his relatively modest height for a goalkeeper is likely the only reason he has not moved to a European league.
HOME FORTRESS
South Africa rarely lose at home, boasting a particularly strong record in World Cup qualifiers. Including their 2-0 win over Lesotho, they have won seven of their last eight home World Cup qualifier matches, drawing only 1-1 with Nigeria. They have conceded just three goals in that time. Their ability to secure points on the road, valuable in African qualifiers, combined with their formidable home form, laid the foundation for their success. The last team to defeat South Africa outright at home was Senegal in 2017.
