Gayton McKenzie’s wild prediction: Can Bafana really win the Fifa World Cup?
Gayton McKenzie, South Africa’s Minister of Sport, sparked debate with his bold prediction that Bafana Bafana will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite their historical struggles at the showpiece event. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
It’s one thing to say Bafana Bafana can win the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), because they certainly are good enough, but saying they can win the Fifa World Cup means you are living in a fantasy world where if you shout something loud enough it will become a reality.
That’s the case for SA Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie.
On Tuesday it emerged McKenzie grabbed headlines for his support of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Donald Trump.
What didn’t grab the headlines was that he also said he definitely thinks South Africa will win the World Cup, and he went on to add the pearl “You may look at stats and all that, but that’s not how football works.”
Bafana Bafana’s 30th Anniversary: From 1996 Triumph to 2026 World Cup Aspirations
Of course, Tuesday marked the 30th anniversary since Bafana Bafana won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil.
Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to link that landmark triumph with the current generation, McKenzie posted a picture of the ’96 team along with the caption: “I see the same success at World Cup 2026.”
Now here’s the thing, though McKenzie would like to throw all stats out the window - they keep you linked to reality.
And here is that reality: This is Bafana’s fourth FIFA World Cup appearance. It’s been 24 years since Bafana last qualified for the event. They did, however, gain automatic entry to the 2010 edition as hosts.
In their four appearances at the World Cup so far, Bafana have won two out of nine matches and have never advanced beyond the group stage.
That means if Bafana were to win the World Cup, they would have to win at least six of eight matches.
Though this is a rejuvenated side under coach Hugo Broos, it would be a far more realistic goal for Bafana to simply advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
Of course, McKenzie would like to paint himself as a supreme optimist, but personally, I think it would be far more useful if he offered a cash incentive for the players if they reach the knockout phase and not make wild statements saying he believes this side can win the World Cup.
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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