From the Class of 1996 to the current generation, the Bafana Bafana team has always had top players who donned and currently wear the famous green and gold shirt. From Lucas Radebe, and Siphiwe Tshabalala to Themba Zwane, the national side has been blessed with talented players – we take a look at the greatest players of all time.
While the national side has successfully qualified for two FIFA World Cup tournaments, they last played at the 2010 edition by being hosts for the first time in the African continent. Although the likes of Zwane haven’t played in a global tournament, he has a slim chance of making it to the 2026 showpiece based on his age.
Coached by Hugo Broos, Bafana will face Nigeria and Zimbabwe in June’s qualifiers at home and Sport Plus selects a few players who made the nation proud on the field of play.
Bafana’s Greatest Stars of All Time
Boasting one continental title they lifted in 1996 under the late Clive ‘The Dog’ Barker, Bafana made their reintroduction into the global stage and that marked a brighter future for the national side.
However, a lot of strides still have to be made for Bafana to reclaim its spot as one of the biggest nations and teams in world football. At the same time, the 1996 AFCON champions still have to produce and export more players to Europe or overseas.
Lucas Radebe:
The former Kaizer Chiefs and Leeds United skipper remains one of the most revered figures in Mzansi. ‘Rhoo’ played in the English Premier League with Leeds United for over a decade and is celebrated as a legend at Elland Road. Boasting 70 international caps for Bafana, Radebe also played at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cup tournaments. The retired Diepkloof-born defender is focusing on charity work after hanging up his boots.
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Andre Arendse:
The 1996 AFCON winner with Bafana is also one of the most cherished players and he is credited for leading Bafana to glory on home soil and played for the team on 67 occasions. Also referred to as Safe Hands, the Cape Town-born legend is the oldest player in the history of the PSL as he played for Bidvest Wits at the age of 45 in 2013. He currently serves as assistant coach to Gavin Hunt’s SuperSport United.
John Moshoeu:
The late star midfielder, Moshoeu is rated among the best in the game as he is praised for his sheer brilliance and skill. Moshoeu was also part of the 1996 team and played for Chiefs as well as playing overseas in Turkey. Shoes passed away in 2013 and has 73 matches and eight goals under his belt for Bafana.
Benni McCarthy:
The 46-year-old former striker, McCarthy is working at Manchester United focusing on finetuning the strikeforce. The Mother City-born coach holds a UEFA Coaching Licence and he is the only South African to win the coveted EUFA Champions League title. Having played at the 2002 World Cup, Benni played for top European clubs such as Celta Vigo, Ajax Amsterdam, and Orlando Pirates in South Africa. He remains the top goalscorer for Bafana with 31 goals from 79 matches.
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Percy Tau:
The Al Ahly star hitman, Tau has two CAF Champions League gold medals and he is regarded as one of the talented exports. The Witbank-born striker has also featured for Brighton & Hove Albion, Club Brugge and was part of Mamelodi Sundowns under Pitso Mosimane. The 29-year-old has 49 caps next to his name and will look to guide the side to the upcoming World Cup.
Steven Pienaar:
The Westbury-born playmaker was a household name in various leagues around the world. Pienaar is also one of the best exports for Mzansi as he played for Dutch giants Amsterdam, Everton, and Tottenham Hotspur in England among others. The nippy midfielder played for the national team 61 times and has three goals. He is also in possession of a UEFA coaching licence and is busy as a trainee coach in Amsterdam.
Siphiwe Tshabalala:
Shabba is widely known as the man who gave the 2010 FIFA World Cup some vibe after netting the opening goal against Mexico. The former Amakhosi star is unsure if he has retired or not but he is currently focusing on his businesses. Tshabalala has 90 matches for the national squad and he is also working as Nedbank Cup ambassador.
Themba Zwane:
Mshishi is one of the players who keeps Mzansi debating about his qualities. Some fans feel he is much better than fan darling Doctor ’16V’ Khumalo while some say he is irreplaceable. The Tembisa-born star has one Champions League title and seven league honours with Mamelodi Sundowns as a skipper. He is gunning for his second. The 34-year-old has the same number of matches for Bafana and he was key during the AFCON tournament as they finished third.
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