National Soccer Team - Bafana Bafana

National Soccer Team - Bafana Bafana

National Soccer Team - Bafana Bafana

The South African football association was formed in 1991, when South Africa started to participate in international sport after political difficulties. The first international game played by the South African soccer team, was against Cameroon in 1992- the first international game played in 20 years.

In 1996 South Africa hosted the African Nations Cup, and won it by defeating Tunisia in the finals 2-0. This earned respect for South Africa in hosting and winning such a big competition.

Bafana Bafana reached another milestone in 1997, when they qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time. They ended the competition in a draw with Denmark and Saudi Arabia.

The following African Cup of Nations, they made it to the finals again, lost against Egypt 2-0.
In 2000 Bafana Bafana only made it to the semi-finals, and came 3rd, beating Tunisia.

In 2002 South African Soccer showed their true potential, in the World Cup in Korea and Japan. They did not progress to the second round, but they had a thrilling game against Spain, losing only 2-3 to this established and mighty side.

From 2005 Bafana Bafana was on a downward spiral. After getting the 2010 soccer World Cup bid, South African Soccer knew something had to be done. Joel Santana accepted Bafana's offer, and is currently preparing them to perform strongly in the 2010 World Cup.