JOHANNESBURG - Feel it, it is here again!
That was the spirit echoing across South Africa on Thursday as young and old rallied behind Bafana Bafana ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against Mexico.
Bafana Bafana last appeared at the global showpiece as hosts in 2010. Their clash against Mexico is set to kick off at 21:00 South African time at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. A star-studded opening ceremony will precede the match at 7.30pm.
Among those backing the national team was Gauteng Education MEC Lebogang Maile, who visited Sharonlea Primary School in Randburg to join in the pre-World Cup excitement.
"Every time any of our national teams represents us, we must all rally behind them. We must make sure that all the things that unite us are supported by all. We hope that our team will put their best foot forward and win; we are counted among the best as a country," Maile said.
The sentiment was shared by pupils at Pinnacle College in Linden.
While acknowledging that the encounter against Mexico would be a difficult one, one pupil said he believed Bafana Bafana could pull off a victory.
"I would like to wish them all the best for the tournament. I believe they can bring it home. It will be a tough win, but Bafana Bafana will secure a 1-0 victory."
Another pupil said: "Good luck boys, take it game by game, and play with your heart."
In a post on X wishing The Boys well, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie wrote: "Your road to qualification was a pipe dream for many. Even an obstacle like having 3 points deducted did not stop destiny. You brought dignity to a nation after being told it was impossible. Some wrote Bafana off, but Bafana wrote themselves in. Thank you Hugo Broos and your team".