Mexican fans mistook AmaZulu supporter for Bafana Bafana player at World Cup

AmaZulu FC supporter Ndumiso Zondi, widely known in South Africa as Dlamini, says Mexican fans at Aztec Stadium believed he was part of the Bafana Bafana squad during his seven-day trip to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Dlamini travelled to Mexico for the tournament and attended the opening game. Wearing the full national-team outfit, he was repeatedly asked by local supporters whether he played for South Africa.

“The experience I got there in that short space of time can’t be matched with anything. I learned a lot in Mexico,” he said in an interview with Supporters Forum.

“I might have watched only the opening game, but I will never forget the good hearts of the Mexican people. Those people love Zulus; they were fascinated by our umqheles.”

His journey took him from OR Tambo to Frankfurt in Germany, a 12-hour flight, before another 12-hour trip to Mexico City.

Dlamini said the welcome began before he and the other South African supporters had reached the stadium.

“On matchday, people started showing us love before we even entered the stadium. People were taking pictures with us left, right, and centre,” he said.

“We were all in the Bafana Bafana colours. I was dressed just like the Bafana Bafana players. I was in my Bafana jersey, Bafana shorts, and Bafana socks, and even wearing gloves on my hands.”

The attention continued as fans approached him with the same question.

“Mexicans were asking me, ‘Are you a Bafana Bafana player? Are you a Bafana Bafana player?’” he said.

“My response was, ‘Yes, I’m a Bafana Bafana player. As I’m speaking to you, I’m rushing to the changerooms because my teammates are already there.’”

Dlamini described the atmosphere inside Aztec Stadium as unforgettable and said he would immediately accept the chance to return to Mexico.

“When we entered the stadium, the atmosphere was marvellous. Even now, if someone can wake me up at 02:00 and tell me we were going back to Mexico, I’d jump out of bed and rush to the airport,” he said.

South Africa lost the match, but Dlamini felt the team had performed as well as it could against the host nation.

“We might have lost the game, but the boys tried their best. We understood we were playing against the hosts. I enjoyed myself there,” he added.

He also linked the experience to his trademark celebrations at PSL matches, where he is known for jumping during games.

“Ukugxuma kwami [jumping] during PSL matches took me straight to the FIFA World Cup. Each time I did my jumping, fans in Mexico would go, ‘Siuuu!’, just like fans do every time Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates a goal,” Dlamini said.

“The Mexicans gave me an opportunity to run up and down the stadium stands. I wish I could go back one more time.”