As we wrap up World Cup 2026, Sello Lediga had a good sense of publishing a Bafana Bafana book a month before the team left for the World Cup 2026 hosted by the USA-Canada-Mexico in which Bafana wrapped themselves around in glory, reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first in history.
Readmitted to international football in 1992, Bafana Bafana quickly rose to prominence, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and qualifying for the 1998 and 2002 FIFA world cups.
In the early years of South Africa’ s democracy under Nelson Mandela, the national team embodied the optimism of a new nation and seemed destined for a golden era. Yet what followed was a prolonged decline.
For nearly two decades, Bafana Bafana struggled with instability, frequent coaching changes, administrative failures and a loss of identity on the field. The team failed to qualify consistently for major tournaments, becoming a shadow of its former self.
The one bright moment during this difficult period was South Africa’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup 2010, the first on African soil. While the tournament inspired global admiration, it could not conceal the national team’s struggles.
A turning point arrived in 2021 with the appointment of Belgian coach Hugo Broos, who restored discipline and belief within the squad. Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana returned to continental competitiveness, qualifying for AFCON and the FIFA World Cup 2026. Their bronze medal at AFCON symbolized a revival – and renewed hope that South Africa might once again compete with the best.
NOTE: Read the Bafana Bafana book extract in PiE NATIVES section and also READ our World Cup 2026 round up in the DAILY FEATURES section covering the full match report of the final game between Spain and Argentina and all that was about the World Cup itself.
Contact Sello Lediga on 082 353 9859 for copies of the book.