Can you name the Bafana Bafana class of 1996?
If you remember the entire Bafana class of 1996, then perhaps you have back pain.
Who remembers the Bafana Bafana AFCON class of 1996, which swept everybody before them to claim Africa’s ultimate prize? If you do, maybe you should feel old.
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BAFANA BAFANA WENT ALL THE WAY
By defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the 1996 final, South Africa claimed their first and only AFCON title. They did so with a legendary group of players, too. Here’s the starting XI on the day. It’s a 4-2-2-2 with two midfield destroyers, two flamboyant playmakers and two number 9s.
Andre Arendse; Sizwe Motaung, Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe, Neil Tovey; Linda Buthelezi, Eric Tinkler; Doctor Khumalo, Shoes Moshoeu; Shaun Bartlett, Phil Masinga.
Super-sub Mark Williams scored both goals, while Helman Mkhalele was the other substitute introduced.
A REINVIGORATED INTEREST IN SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL IN 2024
Ask anybody you know, and they’ll say they’ve noticed a definite uptick in the support for South Africa’s football side. A large part of that is down to the players and the coaching staff, of course. Credit must also go to the insanely patriotic and sports-loving South Africans who are never shy to back their boys on the global stage. There have indeed been phases of disillusionment with the state of South African football, but it feels as though the tide might be turning. We are here for it.
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ANALYSIS: Three huge wins for South Africa after AFCON semifinal run
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.