'They never disappointed': Kodwa praises Bafana Bafana after AFCON heroics

Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa said that he was proud of the squad for reigniting support in South African football.

(From left) Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams, head coach Hugo Broos, SAFA president Danny Jordaan and Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa at a press briefing at OR Tambo International Airport following the team's return from the Africa Cup of Nations on 14 February 2024. Picture: Mawande Mateza/Eyewitness News

JOHANNESBURG - Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa has welcomed Bafana Bafana following their third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

The third-best team in Africa touched down on South African soil from the Ivory Coast on Wednesday morning with their bronze medals.

Fans have gathered at the airport to give a heroes' welcome to the national soccer team.

Kodwa said that he was proud of the squad for reigniting support in South African football.

"We've not had this moment for Bafana Bafana for the longest time. All these young players, when we went to Côte d'Ivoire, some of us never believed they'd reach the semifinals, even to pass the group stages. They never disappointed."

South African Football Association (SAF) president, Danny Jordaan, was also in attendance and heaped praise on captain Ronwen Williams, who was also named goalkeeper of the tournament.

"He is the best goalkeeper on the African continent, he is in the CAF Best XI and in that Best XI, he is the captain of the African Best XI."