By Fanuel Vhiriri
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa traded his usual suit for a green and yellow Bafana Bafana jersey when he appeared before the National Council of Provinces on Thursday.
He was celebrating South Africa’s historic 2026 FIFA World Cup 1-0 win over South Korea.
The President playfully apologised to MPs for the casual dress, saying parliament should “overlook” it because of the joyous occasion. He completed the look with a flag-coloured scarf.
South Africa’s football team danced the night away in Guadalupe’s Monterrey Stadium after making World Cup history, while back home fans in Johannesburg were celebrating in the streets.
Two red cards, one loss, a draw and a win later, South Africa did it all in their group stage matches at the World Cup and advanced to the knockout round of the tournament for the first time.
Thapelo Maseko fired into the net in the 63rd minute to give Bafana Bafana a stunning 1-0 win over South Korea, who now straddle the uncertain line between possible round of 32 qualification or elimination.
Monterrey Stadium will long reverberate with the raw emotions of South Africa fans and players celebrating the win in a fairy-tale ending to their group stage run that began with a disastrous opening match loss for Hugo Broos’ side.
