Bafana Bafana are on the cusp of an extraordinary year, setting their sights on a FIFA World Cup qualification and riding high on the momentum from their bronze medal at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in February 2024. For the national coach, Hugo Broos, the CAF club competition experience gained by his players could be the secret ingredient to turning aspirations into achievements in 2025.

South African clubs thrive in CAF Competitions

South Africa’s representatives in Confederation of African Football (CAF) club competitions —Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Stellenbosch FC—have been flying the South African flag with pride this season. Orlando Pirates, affectionately known as the Buccaneers, have defied expectations in a challenging Champions League group featuring African giants like Egyptian team Al Ahly and Algerian team CR Belouizdad. Unbeaten and already through to the quarterfinals, the Pirates are poised to make history with a potential group-topping performance against Al Ahly on 18 January.

Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns need just a point to book their place in the knockout rounds for the 10th time. A strong performance against Moroccan team, AS FAR at Loftus on Sunday could see South Africa boast three teams among Africa’s top 16 clubs—a historic achievement.

In the Confederation Cup, Stellenbosch FC’s debut campaign has been nothing short of magical. Coach Steve Barker’s young squad defied the odds to secure a quarterfinal spot, underscoring the rapid progress of South African football. “Over the years we have steadily grown as a team in terms of our maturity,” said Barker. “Playing on the continent has enhanced that.” 

CAF success fuels national aspirations

For Coach Hugo Broos, this continental success is pivotal for Bafana’s World Cup journey. 

Pirates coach José Riveiro echoed this sentiment: “When the national team is doing well, like right now with Bafana, it’s because there’s something happening in our football right now”. Broos, who led Bafana to their first AFCON podium finish since 2000, now hopes the players’ CAF experience will bring composure and grit to high-stakes World Cup qualifiers.

For years, questions plagued South African football: Why, with the richest league in Africa, did Bafana Bafana and its clubs struggle on the continental stage? The answer lay in poor coordination between the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and national priorities. However, a shift in mindset has brought a new dawn.

The key difference? South African clubs no longer view CAF competitions as burdens but as opportunities for growth. Pirates, Sundowns, and now Stellenbosch FC have embraced the gruelling demands of continental football. “We are slowly getting there,” said Barker.

With 15 of 23 players in the AFCON squad coming from Pirates, Sundowns, and Stellies, the CAF experience has laid a solid foundation for Bafana Bafana. The hope is to translate club success into World Cup qualification—a dream that has eluded South Africa since hosting the tournament in 2010.

In a year filled with potential milestones, South Africa’s footballing fraternity is united in its optimism. The journey ahead will be tough, but with the wind of CAF success in their sails, Bafana Bafana are ready to dream big.