SHOCKER: When Bafana Bafana will arrive in South Africa

Bafana Bafana defied many expectations as they manage to finish third at the Afcon tournament, only losing out on an appearance in the title decider after an agonising semi-final defeat to Nigeria in a penalty shootout.

However, that shouldn’t detract from what was a highly impressive campaign, which saw South Africa unite behind the team, and inspired many supporters rediscover their passion for the national football team.

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Having clinched the bronze medal, it would have been expected that many South African fans would have wanted to provide a warm welcome for the team when they return to South Africa on Wednesday.

Yet it’s been reported by The Citizen that due to some shocking scheduling, Bafana are scheduled to land at OR Tambo at 4am on Valentine’s Day.

Unless something changes, that will be a very disappointing development as it means many of South Africa’s stars will end up slipping into the country without many fans turning up at the airport.

With this in mind, though, it is at least reported by TimesLive that the South African Football Association (Safa) is formulating plans for a more noteworthy reception during a special event at a later time. 

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Meanwhile, after an incredible Afcon tournament that saw South Africa impressively take home the bronze medal, the latest predictors now indicate that they could notably rise to 59th.

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GREAT RESULT FOR SOUTH AFRICA

After the third-place match, coach Hugo Broos – who guided the team to their first medal in 24 years – celebrated the success of his team.

“I said after the last game against Nigeria that I was so proud of that team and I think everybody saw today why I am so proud,” he told journalists.

“This was an exhausted team of South Africa, we played two games 120 minutes, two times with penalties.

“We played against opponents who had one day more rest than we had, you have the climate… And you saw today that we were not fresh.

“But when you see the mentality in that group, they fight for the last second of the game. They were players who nearly felt from fatigue, but still they went on.

“I think that makes today win and deserve that win,” he added.

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