Get ready for history to be rewritten in the scorching heat of the World Cup knockout stages! South Africa's Bafana Bafana are on the cusp of a new chapter as they prepare to face Canada, 16 years after their disastrous hosting stint in 2010. The memories of that tournament still linger - the euphoria, the excitement, and yes, Siphiwe Tshabalala's iconic opening goal against Mexico - but what was hailed as a 'goal for all of Africa' back then proved to be nothing more than a false dawn.
The consequences of failure in 2010 were far-reaching. Sports journalist Mark Gleeson revealed to the BBC World Service that the team's elimination led to a period where domestic football became 'a little bit dormant', struggling through an economic downturn and a lack of sponsorship. But this time around, there are signs of resurgence - the Mamelodi Sundowns club's two African club champion titles in 2016 and May of this year, coupled with Bafana Bafana's return to the World Cup, signal a renewed vitality.
Manager Hugo Broos has been instrumental in reviving South African football. The 74-year-old Belgian, who masterminded Cameroon's continental title win in 2017, has rebuilt the squad with fresh talent. Initially criticised for his conservative approach after their opening loss to Mexico, Broos steered his team to a crucial draw against the Czech Republic and a victory over South Korea, securing second place in Group A and passage to the last 32. Captain Ronwen Williams hailed Broos as 'a genius' who 'deserves a statue' for instilling confidence in the team.
Even former national captain Dean Furman, one of the players Broos axed from the squad, praised his decision-making. Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, Furman noted, 'He got rid of us older guys and developed a new team... What he's achieved with them - third place in Afcon, World Cup qualification, and now into the knockouts - I think it's phenomenal.' This journey to the knockout stage marks a significant milestone for South African football, offering a beacon of hope for a nation navigating challenging social circumstances.