A great time to be alive – South Africa legend Itumeleng Khune celebrates World Cup qualification

South Africa legend Itumeleng Khune has expressed his joy following Bafana Bafana’s qualification to the 2026 World Cup.

The Bafana Bafana, coached by Hugo Broos, booked their place with a convincing 3-0 victory over Rwanda on the final day of the African qualifiers on Tuesday.

The result saw South Africa finish top of their group with 18 points from 10 matches, edging out Benin and Nigeria in one of the tightest qualification races on the continent. The victory sparked widespread celebrations across Johannesburg and other major cities, as fans rejoiced at the team’s return to the global stage.

This qualification ends South Africa’s long wait since their last World Cup appearance in 2010, when they hosted the tournament. They also featured in France 1998 and Korea-Japan 2002, with their best performance being a 17th-place finish.

However, Khune, who is the second most capped player for the Bafana Bafana has shared his excitement following World Cup qualification.

“What a great time to be alive. What great time to witness such greatness of the current generation of Bafana Bafana players.

“They’ve made the country proud, and obviously the table, Bafana Bafana did themselves a favour, making sure they go all out, they focus on the results, they win all their matches.

The three point deduction by FIFA looked to have derailed the team’s qualification but the belief saw them secure qualification.

Khune mentioned that it was they belief that propelled them to the spectacle to be co-hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico.

“Yes, we almost had a setback by being deducted three points and three goals, but the boys kept on believing,” Khune said.

“And even the coach kept on telling us as a nation, don’t worry, we are booking our ticket and we’re going to the US.”

Khune, who is the second most capped player for the Bafana Bafana made 92 appearances after Aaron Mokoena (110 games).