Following Bafana Bafana’s historical qualification for the Round of 32 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, South African legend Doctor Khumalo says Africa and the world have been humbled after disrespecting the team.
Thapelo Maseko scored in the second half in Bafana’s last Group A match against South Korea at Estadio Monterrey on Thursday morning to help the team finish second in the group with four points behind co-hosts Mexico, who had a perfect group stage record.
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The victory ensured that Bafana progressed to the knockout phase of the global spectacle for the very first time, setting up a meeting with another co-host Canada in the second round.
Speaking after the game, the former Kaizer Chiefs and South Africa midfielder said no one gave Bafana a chance and disrespected them after their opening defeat to Mexico, especially the locally based players, but the team has now silenced it’s doubters.
“Look for Doctor, I think I should clap for the boys well done, history making,” said Khumalo on SABC3.
“They fought up until the last whistle because there was too much noise about these boys. They disrespected South Africa – the world, Africa disrespected these boys. They said they’re just adding numbers.
“It was painful for us to see such, to hear such. Every analysis that was coming out of the world, every analysis that was made of these boys, it was negative. They were not given a chance.
“They started saying local players are not yet fit for this type of a tournament, and all that. You know right now I just want to wait and hear what the world and Africa will say.”