Bafana Bafana returned to OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Thursday morning following a 1-0 round-of-32 defeat to Canada in Los Angeles. The squad was met by a large and enthusiastic crowd, with players including Teboho Mokoena surrounded by supporters as they arrived.
Relebohile Mofokeng was a notable absentee, having flown to Belgium to complete a medical with Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Orlando Pirates announced on Wednesday that they had reached a transfer agreement in principle with the Jupiler Pro League club, pending Mofokeng’s medical and agreement on personal terms. Oswin Appollis was also not among the group that returned to Johannesburg.
The reception reflected the significance of South Africa reaching the knockout stage of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in the nation’s history. The players who were present were greeted by an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere as fans celebrated the team’s progress in the tournament.
Footage on social media suggested it was difficult for Mokoena to move through the crowd; the footage showed he required police assistance to get through. Mokoena had scored from the penalty spot to secure Bafana’s first point in a 1-1 draw with Czechia in Atlanta on June 18.
South Africa opened the tournament with a 2-0 defeat to Mexico in Mexico City, then drew 1-1 with Czechia in Atlanta before beating South Korea 1-0 in Monterrey courtesy of a Thapelo Maseko strike. The win set up the round-of-32 meeting with Canada, where a stoppage-time winner from Stephen Eustáquio handed Jesse Marsch’s side the victory; Canada will face Morocco in the round of 16 on Saturday.
