South African football is buzzing with renewed energy as the nation’s beloved Bafana Bafana continue their quest to reclaim continental and global glory. The current squad, led by coach Hugo Broos, is drawing comparisons to the legendary Class of 1996—a team that famously lifted the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy and secured a spot at the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France. The echoes of that golden era are growing louder, not just because of the team’s performance on the pitch, but also thanks to fresh off-field partnerships and the emergence of standout players who are shaping the team’s identity.
On September 28, 2025, Kaizer Chiefs legend Doctor Khumalo, himself a pivotal figure in the 1996 triumph, weighed in on the current generation’s prospects. Khumalo didn’t hesitate to single out a Mamelodi Sundowns star as the "most instrumental player in terms of directing traffic" in Broos’ Bafana Bafana setup. While he stopped short of naming the player in the public statement, his words have sparked speculation and excitement among fans and pundits alike. It’s clear that, for Khumalo, this Sundowns maestro is the heartbeat of the national team—much as Khumalo was for his own iconic squad.
"Every generation has a face of the crop," Khumalo reflected, highlighting the cyclical nature of football stardom and the importance of leadership on the pitch. His comments have added fuel to the debate about who truly drives Bafana Bafana’s engine room today. Is it the experienced midfield general? The dynamic fullback making surging runs? Or perhaps the creative playmaker pulling the strings from deep? For supporters, these questions only add to the intrigue surrounding a team in transition and on the rise.
Off the field, Bafana Bafana’s resurgence is being matched by a wave of corporate interest, most notably from the Chinese technology giant Honor. Earlier this week, during the send-off function for Amajita—the South African U-20 men’s team—Honor’s South African CEO, Fred Zhou, confirmed the launch of a landmark partnership with the South African Football Association (SAFA). This collaboration, Zhou explained, is about more than just branding: it’s about blending the spirit of sport with the possibilities of technology.
"We believe that sport and technology share the same purpose, which is to break boundaries, and create something extraordinary," Zhou told SABC Sport. "In South Africa, football is in everyone’s DNA, so Bafana Bafana is a very suitable partner for us and our innovation technologies." His words resonated with the crowd, capturing the synergy between two sectors that thrive on passion, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence.
The partnership kicked off in 2025 and has already made waves in the football community. One of the standout features is a new promotion: consumers who purchase any Honor phone from participating retailers stand a chance to win a fully paid trip to Morocco, where they can watch Bafana Bafana live in action. For fans who have long dreamed of following their team on the road, this is a golden opportunity—and a sign that sponsors are keen to deepen the connection between the team and its supporters.
The impact of Honor’s involvement has been felt beyond just marketing campaigns. During the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Nigeria, Honor organized transportation for 40 fans and journalists, busing them from Johannesburg to Bloemfontein to witness the match firsthand. The initiative was met with widespread praise, highlighting the growing demand for immersive fan experiences as Bafana Bafana’s fortunes continue to improve. At the last AFCON, travel packages for supporters were in high demand, but logistical challenges meant many missed out. With new partners on board, those barriers are starting to come down.
Bafana Bafana’s recent results have played a huge role in attracting this wave of sponsorship. Over the past three years, the team has strung together a series of impressive performances, capped by a memorable bronze medal at the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast. That podium finish was seen as a turning point, signaling the squad’s return to the upper echelons of African football. The momentum from that achievement has carried into the World Cup qualifying campaign, where the team’s blend of youth and experience is paying dividends.
Honor’s commitment isn’t limited to the senior men’s team. The company has extended its support to Amajita, covering the costs of their training camps and send-off function ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup. It’s a holistic approach that recognizes the importance of nurturing talent at all levels of the national setup. "It’s always important to put the players first in these kinds of relationships," Zhou emphasized, underscoring the company’s long-term vision for South African football.
There’s also a broader diplomatic dimension to the partnership. As Zhou pointed out, Honor’s ties to SAFA reflect the strong political and international relations between China and South Africa. The collaboration is seen as an extension of that friendship, fostering goodwill and cultural exchange through the universal language of sport. For both countries, football serves as a bridge—one that connects communities, inspires youth, and showcases the best of what each nation has to offer.
As the current Bafana Bafana squad strives to match or even surpass the achievements of the 1996 champions, the pressure is on—but so is the sense of possibility. The squad’s backbone, as identified by Doctor Khumalo, is providing the leadership and tactical intelligence needed to navigate high-stakes fixtures. The players are buoyed by growing support from fans and sponsors alike, creating an environment where ambition can flourish.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on the team’s next steps. The World Cup qualifiers are heating up, and the prospect of another AFCON run looms large. The partnership with Honor is expected to bring even more fans into the fold, both at home and abroad, as Bafana Bafana’s journey continues. With a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, plus the backing of major sponsors, the stage is set for another chapter in South Africa’s rich football history.
For now, the nation watches and waits. Will this generation of Bafana Bafana live up to the legacy of 1996? Time will tell. But with influential figures like Doctor Khumalo offering their endorsement, and with corporate partners investing in the team’s future, the signs are promising. The road to greatness is never easy, but the spirit of South African football—resilient, passionate, and unyielding—remains as strong as ever.
As the action unfolds on and off the pitch, one thing’s for sure: Bafana Bafana’s story is far from over. With every match, every partnership, and every new face in the squad, hope grows that a new golden era may be just around the corner.
