Bafana Bound for History: Ramaphosa Hosts Send-Off Dinner as Broos Names 26-Man World Cup Squad

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed the Bafana Bafana squad at the World Cup send-off dinner, pledging a public holiday if the team wins the 2026 FIFA World Cup and urging them to play as warriors for the nation.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief

The Azanian | Truth. Fearless. Unfiltered.  

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Bafana Bafana’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup officially began today, with President Cyril Ramaphosa hosting a formal farewell dinner for the squad at the Sefako M. Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria.

The send-off festivities began at 19:00 and served as the platform for head coach Hugo Broos to announce his final 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Addressing the team, President Ramaphosa encouraged the players to play for the country, not just themselves. He told them to be strong, be warriors, and win every game. 

The president also made a promise: if Bafana Bafana win the World Cup, South Africa will declare a public holiday to celebrate. He wished the squad luck and urged them to carry the hopes of the nation with pride.

Broos said the squad gives “the right balance of experience, youth, and hunger,” and that these players now carry the hopes of 60 million South Africans.

The evening fell under the campaign message “One Team. One Nation. One Rhythm,” calling on the country to rally behind the team ahead of departure.

Full 26-Man Squad:

Goalkeepers:  

Ronwen Williams – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Ricardo Goss – Siwelele  

Sipho Chaine – Orlando Pirates

Defenders:  

Khuliso Mudau – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Kamogelo Sebelebele – Orlando Pirates  

Thabang Matuludi – Polokwane City F.C.  

Nkosinathi Sibisi – Orlando Pirates  

Ime Okon – Hannover 96  

Olwethu Makhanya – Philadelphia Union  

Khulumani Ndamane – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Mbekezeli Mbokazi – Chicago Fire FC  

Aubrey Modiba – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Samukele Kabini – Molde FK  

Bradley Cross – Kaizer Chiefs

Midfielders:  

Teboho Mokoena – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Jayden Adams – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Sphephelo Sithole – C.D. Tondela  

Thalente Mbatha – Orlando Pirates

Forwards:  

Iqraam Rayners – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Lyle Foster – Burnley F.C.  

Oswin Appollis – Orlando Pirates  

Tshepang Moremi – Orlando Pirates  

Relebohile Mofokeng – Orlando Pirates  

Evidence Makgopa – Orlando Pirates  

Themba Zwane – Mamelodi Sundowns  

Thapelo Maseko – AEL Limassol