SEDIBENG.- Yours Truly, the self-appointed Minister of Sport, otherwise known as Zakes’ Sports Corner, joined thousands of South African soccer fans at Orlando Amstel Arena in Soweto to bid farewell to Bafana Bafana ahead of the Fifa World Cup 2026. The stadium was filled with anticipation as Bafana Bafana took to the field for a send-off game.

I refused red-carpet treatment!

I turned down the red-carpet treatment and a seat in the suites because, on that day, the most important people were the players on the field. The reality is that I wanted to feel the atmosphere, sitting with soccer fans singing Shosholoza on the stands.

I didn’t mind sitting on the stands to cheer Bafana Bafana players, especially our three local boys, Tshepang Moremi, Relebohile Mofokeng and Thapelo Maseko. I could have been somewhere in the VIP area, but I decided to give these local youngsters the respect they deserve, so I was on the stand, next to the field. It was such a great feeling, sitting on the stand that was not far from the corner kick spot and seeing Relebohile Mofokeng coming to kick the corner.

The crowd went crazy!

The crowd went crazy! It was such a great experience. With the Fifa World Cup 2026 starting this time, Zakes’ Sports Corner wishes to take this opportunity to wish Bafana Bafana all the best in their opening match against Mexico on June 11. Zakes’ Sports Corner does not doubt that Bafana Bafana is going to cause an upset in Mexico.

As South Africans, we will rally behind Bafana come June 11.

This was not just the game!

When Thapelo Maseko came in in the second half, he was playing on the right side where I was sitting.
Again, I felt a sense of pride seeing one of the Vaal’s finest keeping the crowd on their feet every time he is on the ball.

This was an evening that Zakes’ Sports Corner will never forget.

This was not just a game – but a memorable send-off for Bafana Bafana and the technical staff. Zakes’ Sports Corner will cherish this moment for years to come. I breathed in the chilly weather in the evening to bid farewell to Bafana Bafana. I could have chosen to be in the VIP area, but it would not have been the same. It would have lacked the atmosphere if I had sat in the VIP.