sportsdunia logo
Search Icon

South Africa National Football Team: History and Achievements

South Africa

South Africa

FIFA Club World Cup Play-In / South Africa

South Africa Top Scorers

South Africa Standings

Matches

Team Form

(Last 5 Matches)

3

Win

2

Draw

0

Loss

South Africa
South Africa
3 - 1
V/S
Zambia
Zambia
South Africa
South Africa
3 - 1
V/S
Zambia
Zambia
South Africa
South Africa
3 - 0
V/S
Rwanda
Rwanda
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
0 - 0
V/S
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
South Africa
1 - 1
V/S
Nigeria
Nigeria

Upcoming Matches

South Africa
South Africa
Angola
Angola
Sun, Dec 21
11:00 pm
Egypt
Egypt
South Africa
South Africa
Thu, Dec 25
11:00 pm
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe
South Africa
South Africa
Sun, Dec 28
11:00 pm

Stats Leaders

PlayerGoals

Since its inception, the tale of the South Africa National Football Team has been decorated by passion and pride. Their soulful football is not just a symbol of their team, but it is a reflection of the country itself. Unlike the elite countries, in South Africa, the earliest football clubs emerged during the late 19th and 20th centuries. Introduced by the British soldiers, football in South Africa was molded and given a new identity by the people of the country over the years.

Over the years, life in the stands and outside of it was shaped by football and its culture in South Africa. Though it took time, there were clubs like Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns who led the line of a football dynasty in South Africa. After the foundation of PSL in 1996, football in South Africa reached global heights.

The proudest moment of the nation came in 2010, when the South Africa Football Team and the country showcased the unmatched footballing culture of the nation. Fast forward to now, the South Africa Football Team includes some of the brightest talents, as football in the country maintains a unique balance of innovation and flair.

South Africa National Football Team Key Facts

When it comes to the South Africa football team, the nation has one of the most colorful histories. From the time before the PSL to being the host nation of the famous 2010 FIFA World Cup, football in South Africa and come a very far. The football philosophy has changed drastically over the years. Be it the unique South Africa National Football Team Nickname or the talented South Africa National Football team players, football has found a new identity in this nation.

ParameterInformation
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
President of South African Football AssociationDanny Jordaan
NicknameBafana Bafana
National StadiumFNB Stadium
Capacity94,736
Head Coach/ManagerHugo Broos
South Africa National Football Team Key Facts
Football Promotional Banner
Football Promotional BannerFootball Promotional Banner

Confederation of African Football (CAF)

CAF is the Confederation of the South Africa National Football Team. The sub-confederation of CAF is known as COSAFA (Council of Southern Africa Football Associations). Together, they govern football in South Africa. Be it domestic competitions or development programs, CAF and COSAFA's active approach has been fruitful. It is especially true when you now look at the talent among the South Africa Football Team players.

Over the years, the active approach of CAF had unified the racially divided football bodies. The bigger picture was to pave the way for South Africa's entry into the grandest stages of National Football.

From improving the youth academies to enhancing multiple facets of the Premier Soccer League, the leadership of Danny Jordaan has been invaluable. Among big names in South African football, the South Africa National Football Team coach, Hugo Broos, often showcases his appreciation for the president's contributions.

CAF has been instrumental in the growth of South African football. The association was the primary reason behind the popularity of the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. To this day, the tournament in 2010 is hailed as the best World Cup edition ever. From CAF's active approach to the soul of African Football, football is in perfect harmony in South Africa.

History of South Africa National Football Team: Early Years

Back in 1906, the South Africa National Football Team played its first match. They went head-to-head with Argentina. What promised a great start for a footballing nation soon turned into a disaster as the development of the sport was marred. In 1961, it eventually led to the expulsion from FIFA.

The country had to wait until 1992 for its comeback to international football. The South Africa National Football Team was finally reinstated and played their first match against Cameroon. It was a great comeback as the country won 1-0 against Cameroon.

Under the South Africa National Football Team manager Stanley Screamer Tshabalala, there were marquee players who led the line for their team.

The pinnacle of the period came during the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996. Under the South Africa National Football team manager Clive Barker, the team hoisted the trophy after defeating Tunisia with a 2-0 score.

This triumph marked the greatest start for the country as they were qualified for the 1988 FIFA World Cup in France and the following tournament, which was hosted in Japan and South Africa.

While the South Africa Football Team could not fully capitalize on the opportunities, the country rose up from its ashes during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where they mesmerized the world with their football culture and philosophy. Almost a decade later, they had another impressive run in the 2023 AFCON. However, they could not manage to reach the finals of the tournament. As of 2025, the South Africa National football team shows a lot of promise. It will be a matter of time till we know if the team can live up to their potential.

Home Stadium of South Africa National Football Team

The South Africa National Football Team Stadium is FNB Stadium. As of 2025, the stadium holds a capacity of 94,736.

South Africa National Football Team Achievements & Honours

Here are all the South Africa National Football Team Achievements & Honours that the country has won so far:

CompetitionNo. of Titles/AchievementsYear
Africa Cup11996
Afro-Asian Cup of Nations11996-97
South Africa National Football Team Achievements & Honours

With the talent among the South Africa Football Team players, the team promises a lot of triumphant tales in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the president of the Confederation of African Football?

+

Danny Jordaan is the president of the Confederation of African Football.

Has the South Africa National Football Team ever won a trophy?

+

Yes, the South Africa National Football Team have won two trophies. One of them is the African Cup and the other one is Afro-Asian Cup of Nations.

What is South Africa National Football Team's highest finish in a FIFA World Cup tournament?

+

South Africa National Football Team's highest finish in a FIFA World Cup is the group stage.

What language does the South Africa National Football Team speak?

+

South Africa National Football Team players speak Xhosa, Zulu, Afrikaans, and other languages.

Who is South Africa National Football Team best player of all time?

+

Benni McCarthy is regarded as the best player of all time in the South Africa National Football Team.