Bafana Bafana 1996 AFCON winning squad. Images from Instagram@dk15_official
Bafana Bafana 1996 AFCON winning squad: Where are they now?
South Africa won the 20th edition of the Africa Cup Of Nations in 1996 in FNB stadium -but where is the star-studded Bafana Bafana squad now?
Bafana Bafana 1996 AFCON winning squad. Images from Instagram@dk15_official
In 1996 South Africa hosted the biggest football tournament in Africa, the Africa Cup Of Nations, and won it before the home crowd in the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg.
Over the years, many have been trying to connect the dots on the whereabouts of the star-studded Bafana Bafana squad that lifted the AFCON trophy 27 years ago.
Late football gaffer Clive Barker guided the squad during the AFCON campaign.
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BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD OF 1996 – WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Andre Arendse – He was the South African first-choice goalkeeper and pulled some incredible saves throughout the competition. In 2009 he retired from football after winning the now-DStv Premier Soccer League with SuperSport.
In 2013 he made a dramatic return to the pitch with Bidvest Wits. His return saw him being the oldest player ever played in the PSL.
DEFENDERS
Bafana Bafana had a defence partnership of Sizwe Motaung, Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Neil Robert Tovey, who was the captain of the Bafana Bafana 1996 AFCON winning squad.
Motaung died on 16 August 2001, aged 31, from an AIDS-related illness.
Lucas Radebe has been involved in football development across all verticals, from grassroots development to being a pundit. Over the years, FIFA has honoured him as one of their esteemed Ambassadors for all SOS Children’s Villages.
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Against the backdrop of his newfound fame, Mark Fish is still involved in football across all verticals.
Robert Tovey switched the floor to coaching after retiring. However, he later joined the football administration in 2010 after being elected Technical Director of the South African squad during the FIFA World Cup.
MIDFIELDERS
After hanging his boots, the Bafana Bafana legend Eric Tinkler switched the floor to coaching. Over the years, the bubbly gaffer has managed several clubs, which include Soweto giants Orlando Pirates and Chippa United. Currently, he is in charge of Cape Town City.
Linda Buthelezi, the talisman, has managed to keep his private life under wraps leaving many to guess. However, over the years, he has often featured in several football shows as a pundit.
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After hanging his boots, Doctor Khumalo has been involved in football matters across all verticals. He has been in football administration and development.
Despite not hitting the mark, he has also been involved in small-screen productions. Recently he was part of The Masked Singer SA and wowed many with his performance who knew Doctor Khumalo could sing after all.
John Moshoeu lived lavishly after hanging his boots. He was best known for his craze for fast cars. The star died in April 2015.
STRIKERS
Mark Williams has been heavily involved in football development at the grassroots level. He recently appeared on Mark Mashabela’s Podcast earlier this year.
South Africa was saddened by soccer legend Phil Masinga, who died in January 2019 at 49 from cancer.
On the other hand, Shaun Barlett has a colourful manager resume. Over the years, he has been assistant manager for clubs which include Golden Arrows and Kaizer Chiefs. In 2021 he was appointed Cape Town Spurs manager.
Helman Mkhalele has had managerial roles across all verticals regarding coaching the national team. He has served as a caretaker coach to an assistant coach. He has since established himself as a business mogul in his own right, with several businesses under his watch.
