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SA Joy 16-9GOAL
Dingizwe Gwala

Fifa Club World Cup, potential Caf Champions League final between Orlando Pirates & Mamelodi Sundowns - Bafana Bafana's rise in Africa & SA football's tears of joy!

GOAL looks at the moments that bring tears of joy to South African football fans this year, zooming into Fifa Club World Cup and Bafana Bafana.

The football script writer has clearly chosen to make South African football the main character, at least for now, as the Gods of the beautiful game are clearly smiling upon Mzansi.

Bafana Bafana are in pole position to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup as they dominate their group while there is the mid-year Fifa Club World Cup where South Africa will be represented by Mamelodi Sundowns and Rhulani Mokwena. Youngster Relebohile Mofokeng's rise has been nothing but incredible as the 20-year-old has assumed the role of being Orlando Pirates and Bafana's golden boy and star player.

That's not all - Mzansi stand a chance to become one of the select countries to see two teams from the same federation going toe to toe in the Caf Champions League as Sundowns and the Buccaneers are the flag bearers.

Join GOAL as we zoom into the moments that bring joy to South African football.

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  • Bafana BafanaBafana Bafana

    Mexico, Canada, USA - here we come!

    Bafana are almost there, if you think about it. Even though there is the cloud of a possible point deduction - South Africans can feel it. Hugo Broos has rejuvenated the team and blooded in a never-say-die attitude, which has been the mantra of the national team. Stadiums are packed to the brim and that is all down to the positive results. Bafana are currently enjoying the summit of Group C with 13 points, five ahead of Benin. Their remaining four games will all be in South Africa, which is an added advantage to the vision.

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  • Rhulani Mokwena, Wydad ACWydad AC

    Mokwena versus Pep - a reality

    Rhulani Mokwena is a known admirer of Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola as the Wydad Casablanca head coach has displayed similar mannerisms, almost mimicking his every move, even earning the nickname 'Pep Lite'. After leaving Sundowns, he made sure that he joined a side that is headed to the Fifa Club World Cup, which was a smart move as he is set to be the only South African coach to represent the nation in the global spectacle. Mokwena will also get a chance to face Guardiola as City and his Wydad outfit are drawn together in Group G.

  • Hugo Broos, Bafana BafanaBackpage

    No longer pushovers

    South Africa are heading to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations where they already strike fear in the opposition. Mzansi have regained their top-dog status on the continent after winning a bronze medal in the previous edition. Bafana have been drawn with Southern Africa neighbours Zimbabwe, record holders Egypt and Angola. Broos has turned South Africa into a beast of a nation which strikes fear. The 18-game unbeaten run is testament to the impact made by Broos in the side as Bafana are no longer the doormats they used to be.

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  • Dr. Irvin Khoza, PSLBackPagePix

    Khoza's dream is very much alive

    PSL chairman Irvin Khoza once revealed that he dreams of seeing two South African teams go head-to-head in the Caf Champions League final. This season is the closest where that dream might be realized as Sundowns and the Buccaneers are still in contention for the coveted African title. Masandawana are paired with Esperance de Tunis in their quarter-final while Pirates will play MC Alger. Should both sides advance to the semi-finals, there will be an air of optimism for them to reach the final, where there will be guarantee that the African holy grail will once again call Mzansi home. Meanwhile, Stellenbosch are also in the Caf Confederation Cup, and given their might, they may go all the way to the final.

  • Themba Zwane, Mamelodi Sundowns, February 2025Mamelodi Sundowns

    Sundowns' Club World Cup dream

    Sundowns will set foot in the Fifa Club World Cup for the second time in their history after legendary coach Pitso Mosimane led the club in their maiden appearance back in 2016. Now, under Miguel Cardoso, Downs will have another shot at advancing as far as they can imagine. Sundowns already guaranteed a handsome amount for participating in the competition where they are pitted with German giants Borussia Dortmund, Brazilian outfit Fluminense and Mexican outfit Monterrey, who are captained by Sergio Ramos. It may look like a tough group but in reality, everyone here stands a chance to advance to the knockouts as the top two teams go through. Only time will tell as the global spectacle kicks off in June.

  • Themba Zwane, Teboho Mokoena, Bafana BafanaBackpage

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