South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged citizens to rally behind the national football team, Bafana Bafana, as they prepare for their opening FIFA World Cup match against Mexico.
In a Monday, June 1, 2026 letter to the nation, Ramaphosa said the team carries the hopes of more than 62 million South Africans and called on citizens to show support by wearing team colours and flying the national flag.
“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,” he said.
He noted that the squad is returning to the World Cup for the first time since South Africa hosted the tournament in 2010, describing their qualification as the result of long-term investment in football development by sporting bodies, leagues, clubs and sponsors.
Ramaphosa praised the South African Football Association, the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and other stakeholders for their role in rebuilding the national team, adding that the squad reflects the country’s diversity and constitutional values.
“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.
He added that sport has historically played a powerful role in uniting South Africans across political and social divides, recalling the iconic moment when Nelson Mandela wore a Springbok jersey during the 1995 Rugby World Cup final.
Ramaphosa said Bafana Bafana’s participation in the tournament carries symbolic meaning beyond results, linking it to South Africa’s broader democratic journey and national recovery.
“Our democracy has matured and is flourishing, our Constitution has been the supreme law of the land for three decades, and we have embarked on a National Dialogue to chart a new course for our country,” he said.
He urged South Africans to use the moment to reflect national unity and progress.
“So as we cheer our team on from the stands, at fan zones and in our homes, we should also cheer ourselves on as a country,” he said.
The message of unity comes as the team continues preparations in Mexico, where they open their World Cup account against the co-hosts on June 11.
Earlier in the build-up, the team’s travel arrangements briefly drew attention after reports of visa-related delays ahead of departure, with sports officials and administrators later moving to resolve the matter before the squad’s final pre-tournament schedule.
Ramaphosa’s letter, however, focused on national unity, pride and support for the team as they represent South Africa on the global stage.
He concluded with a call for collective backing behind the squad.
“One Team. One Nation. Behind Bafana. Behind South Africa.”
