Hunt Hails Bafana Bafana’s World Cup Qualification
Durban City coach Gavin Hunt has hailed Bafana Bafana’s achievement in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, extending his congratulations to the entire national team setup.
Durban City, along with many other clubs, joined the nation in celebrating Bafana Bafana’s qualification for the global showpiece, secured with a commanding 3–0 victory over Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday.
This marks South Africa’s first World Cup qualification since the 2002 edition, with Bafana Bafana remaining unbeaten at home in World Cup qualifiers since November 2017 against Senegal.
“Fantastic achievement,” Hunt said.
“To the players, Hugo Broos [head coach], and the team of Helman Mkhalele [assistant coach] and Grant Johnson [goalkeeper coach], and all the backroom staff — fantastic achievement. Really proud to be a South African today.”
Reflecting on the broader importance of the national team, Hunt highlighted how its success shapes perceptions of local football.
“South African football gets judged on your national team,” said Hunt, who was previously linked with the Bafana Bafana coaching job.
“It’s important that our national team competes in these tournaments. It was vitally important for us to qualify — and we did. It doesn’t matter how we did it; what matters is that we’re there.”
Hunt also expressed full confidence in the team as they prepare for the global stage in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
“We’re really proud and honoured. As I said, let’s go there and make our country proud — and I’m sure they’ll do it,” he added.
“Good luck — onwards and upwards.”
The FIFA World Cup draw will take place in December.
