Gayton McKenzie shows support to Bafana Bafana
The Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie set aside previous remarks to welcome Bafana Bafana back to South Africa after their exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. His display of support was evident at the airport on Wednesday.
The national squad returned following their Afcon exit, marked by a 2–1 loss to Cameroon on Sunday, a result that left fans feeling disheartened.
McKenzie had been outspoken about the missed opportunities that he believed hindered the team from advancing to the next stage after the defeat.
However, he adopted a more encouraging approach as the team returned home.
On social media, McKenzie posted a video of himself interacting with head coach Hugo Broos, players, and technical staff, sharing greetings and motivational words.
“Our boys are gutted. Not succeeding is the best lesson,” McKenzie wrote on X.
“Rise above your own disappointment, boys. We love you and have full hope that Mexico will be set alight by you. True South Africans are behind you all the way. I’m glad I came to welcome you this morning,” he added.
His remarks sparked varied reactions online, with some individuals commending the gesture as a show of leadership and solidarity, while others pointed to the disparity between his earlier comments and his welcoming presence at the airport.
Nonetheless, many fans embraced the supportive message as Bafana Bafana shift their attention to future endeavors.
With the Afcon experience now concluded, the team is anticipated to regroup and focus on their upcoming World Cup preparations as they aim for success on the global stage.
Our Boys are gutted, not succeeding is the best lesson, rise above your own disappointment Boys, We love you and have full hope that Mexico will be set alight by you. True South Africans are behind you all the way. I’m glad I came to welcome you this morning 🥹⚽️❤️🤛 pic.twitter.com/03yspsyHnt
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) January 7, 2026
