Bafana's World Cup qualification will inspire local ambitions, says Zwane

Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the Fifa World Cup 2026 and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations has sparked renewed ambition in the local game, with AmaZulu coach Arthur Zwane hailing its impact on domestic football.

Speaking after AmaZulu's hard-fought win over Durban City in the Betway Premiership this past weekend, Zwane said the national team’s recent success is already raising the bar for players in the league. 

The former Bafana winger believes the dream of representing the country on the world stage will fuel even greater performances across the board.

"It's very important that everyone puts in displays that capture the eyes of everyone,” Zwane said. “It will show their confidence in their abilities and also show that they're seeing the chance to be selected for the national team.”

With AFCON 2025 around the corner and a World Cup on the horizon, Zwane is convinced this moment will be a turning point for many local professionals chasing international honours.

“This will encourage ambition and further development,” he added. “Because if you're a football player and you don't dream of seeing yourself somewhere, then you might as well be playing for fun.”

AmaZulu’s win over a spirited Durban City side came courtesy of a late strike and solid defensive organisation, but it was Zwane’s post-match remarks that drew the most attention. The coach, known for his commitment to youth development, says national team incentives will only raise the competitive intensity in the Betway Premiership.

“At this level, we want to see players constantly grow,” Zwane explained. “So, that (Bafana chances) will just make the season even more difficult with everyone looking to impress.”

South Africa’s recent World Cup qualification campaign, spearheaded by a youthful and fearless squad, has been widely praised. 

Zwane believes credit must go to coach Hugo Broos for showing faith in the next generation.

“I think this is the youngest ever squad to qualify for the World Cup, so we should be proud and be grateful to coach Hugo for giving youngsters an opportunity,” he said.

Zwane also pointed out that many of those players cut their teeth in the PSL’s development leagues before stepping into the limelight, a testament to the structures in place. Eighty-percent of that group are from the MDC/DDC,” he said. 

“So, we should also credit the PSL for ensuring that we have a competitive reserve league.”

With ambitions high and stakes even higher, Zwane knows his AmaZulu side — and every other team in the Betway Premiership — will need to raise their standards. 

The race for national team selection is officially on, and that can only mean good things for South African football.

“Players now see a real chance,” Zwane concluded. “If they perform here, the door to the national team is wide open. That’s the motivation we need.”