SEDIBENG.-  On February 3, the entire country took a trip down memory lane. We reflected on the day in 1996 when Bafana Bafana stunned the world by beating Tunisia 2-0 to win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on home soil.

Everything came to a standstill, with people, young and old, black and white, taking to the streets to celebrate this victory.

Zakes’ Sports Corner remembers it as if it were yesterday.

We were excited as a football nation. It was a true rainbow nation moment!

It was a time of pride, with South Africans gathering together in clubs, shebeens, and taverns to celebrate as one.

For Zakes’ Sports Corner, this year holds a special meaning as 1996 was the year I joined MooiVaal Media (formerly Vaal Triangle Publisher) as a sports journalist. One of the local players who was part of this Bafana Bafana Class of ‘96 was none other than Augustine ‘Mthakathi’ Makalakalane.

He was the only player from Vaal Triangle who was playing his club football abroad at the time.

Those with long memories will remember him for wearing those famous white soccer boots, which some fans even booed him for, but this is a topic for another day. Today, Makalakalane is rightfully honoured in the South African Hall of Fame for his part in this victory.

Looking back at my own experience, I remember watching that AFCON final with my late brother (the father of former Kaizer Chiefs dreadlocked forward, Abia Nale).

It was on Saturday afternoon.

To make things more interesting, a stranger knocked at the door while the match was on, It was a woman selling brooms, as soon as she came in, Bafana Bafana scored the first goal.

The three of us hugged each other in celebration.

She ended up staying and watching the game with us until the final whistle blew.

The question is, where were you on that historic day, February 3, 1996, when Bafana Bafana lifted the AFCON trophy?