South Africa has produced some of Africa’s greatest football talents over the past 30 years, with many players representing Bafana Bafana.
Despite this wealth of talent, South Africa has only qualified for two FIFA World Cups during this period—one of which was in 2010 when the country hosted the tournament. Under the management of Clive Barker, the team won its only Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1996.
We look at the top five greatest Bafana Bafana players of all time—those who rose to the occasion in significant matches and took the national team to new heights. Between 1998 and 2002, South Africa’s men’s national team was among the top five African countries, often reaching the semifinals of AFCON.
While top players such as Steven Pienaar, Quinton Fortune, and Sibusiso Zuma found success with their clubs, they were not as influential in the national team. Here are the five greatest Bafana Bafana players:
Lucas Radebe
Radebe led by example, which is why he tops this list. He is celebrated more by Leeds United fans than by South Africans. As captain of Bafana Bafana, he represented the team in two World Cups and was also part of the 1996 AFCON winning squad.
Benni McCarthy
Despite his conflicts with SAFA over his refusal to play for the national team, McCarthy consistently delivered results whenever he donned the Bafana jersey. Whenever he was in the penalty area, a goal was almost guaranteed. He remains South Africa’s all-time top goalscorer.
Doctor Khumalo
Although Khumalo played in only one World Cup, he was a pleasure to watch. He played a significant role in helping South Africa win the 1996 AFCON.
Shoes could be the greatest Bafana midfielders of all-time
Shoes Moshoeu
The late Shoes Moshoeu was a joy to watch with the ball. His passing, skill, and ability to score from outside the penalty area made him one of the most lethal midfielders on the continent in the late 1990s. He continued to play into his 40s, known for his longevity and love for the game.
Andre Arendse
Arendse played a crucial role in Bafana’s AFCON victory 29 years ago and is undoubtedly South Africa’s greatest-ever goalkeeper. Having won league titles with SuperSport United and Santos, the current Matsatsantsa coach dedicated three decades to serving South African football.
The likes of Pierre Issa, Aaron Mokoena and Delron Buckley were solid in some stages of their international career but did not show up in big tournaments at times.
Who is in your top 5?
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