South Africa's National Anthem Rings Again at the World Cup: Fans Proudly Cheer for 'Bafana Bafana'

(Central News Agency reporter Li Yixuan, Johannesburg, 12th special dispatch) Although South Africa lost the World Cup opening match 0-2 to Mexico, the fact that they qualified for the World Cup again after 16 years has left fans across the country extremely excited and proud, with high emotions filling the streets and alleys before the game.

On the morning of the opening match on the 11th South African time, many passersby were wearing South African team jerseys, with green and yellow being the unspoken color scheme. Many primary and secondary schools across the country had notified parents weeks in advance to have their children wear South African team jerseys, or any yellow or green clothing, to school to support the South African team together.

Around 5 PM, the sound of the traditional vuvuzela instrument echoed through the streets. This is an indispensable cheering tool for South African football matches, although it was banned at the World Cup for interfering with the game. But as South Africans, it was natural to take it out and blow it before the match even started, to warm up.

Kate, who was cheering for the South African team with friends, told CNA that the match started at 9 PM, but their group gathered at a restaurant as soon as they got off work or finished school around 3 PM to secure seats. All of them were wearing South African team jerseys, excitedly shouting 'Bafana Bafana!' and believing they would win that day.

'Bafana Bafana' is a nickname South Africans have given their national football team, meaning 'Boys, cheer up!' in the Zulu language of South Africa.

Although South Africa ultimately lost, Caitlin, who was on vacation in South Africa from the US, said, 'I am very proud that South Africa can participate in the World Cup again after 16 years. Being able to sing the national anthem loudly with the entire audience and cheer for the South African team was very touching. The atmosphere was great, and I am excited to be a part of it.'

Kamohelo, a university football team captain, analyzed the tactics after the match, saying that the South African team did not choose the right formation from the start, ultimately handing the victory to the opponent. He suggested that a 4-2-3-1 formation would have been better. He hopes the South African team can believe in themselves, play their own style, and use their best players to execute the tactics, rather than first guessing Mexico's approach and then thinking of counter-strategies.

After the match, some people could not hide their disappointment, while others discussed what the South African team could have done better. But everyone agreed on one thing: the well-known South African slogan 'No DNA, just RSA!' (Regardless of race, we are all Team South Africa). After many years, South Africans were once again cheering for their country at the World Cup. Regardless of the win or loss, it was already a proud battle. (Editor: Wei Shu) 1150612