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South Africans turned out in their numbers on Thursday morning to welcome home a Bafana Bafana side that captured the nation’s imagination with a historic FIFA World Cup campaign, Cape {town} Etc reports.

Long before sunrise, supporters had already filled the international arrivals hall at OR Tambo International Airport, waving flags, singing, and eagerly waiting for the squad that became the first South African men’s team to reach the knockout rounds of a FIFA World Cup, as reported by Times Live.

Although their dream ended with a narrow 1-0 defeat to tournament co-hosts Canada in the last 32, the reception made it clear that the team had returned as heroes.

The squad eventually emerged at around 7:30am to loud cheers from hundreds of supporters who applauded their efforts after an unforgettable tournament in North America.

Addressing the media, captain Ronwen Williams thanked South Africans for standing behind the team throughout their World Cup adventure.

‘Thank you everyone for your support and for this incredible welcome. To experience the unity of the country at a moment like this is amazing.

‘The prayers, the support and all the well wishes that were sent our way meant so much to us as a team. We went out there carrying the support, love and belief of [millions of] South Africans,’ Williams said.

The goalkeeper reflected on how far the national team has come over the past few years under head coach Hugo Broos, describing the World Cup achievement as another milestone in the squad’s steady rise.

‘It’s been a wonderful journey. When we look back at how far we’ve come as a team, especially under Coach Hugo Broos, we can be proud. This achievement at the World Cup is the cherry on top because we’ve been doing excellent work for a long time. We’re just proud and happy that the country is happy,’ Williams said.

Bafana’s impressive tournament included progression from the group stage before their campaign came to an end against Canada in Los Angeles, marking South Africa’s best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup.

Broos, who has overseen a remarkable turnaround since taking charge of the national side, said the squad had achieved exactly what they set out to accomplish.

‘It was not easy, but we made it. It is historic for South African football that the team reached the second round of the World Cup, and that was our goal from the beginning. We worked hard. It was not easy, but we succeeded. That’s the most important thing,’ Broos said.

The veteran coach believes the lessons learned during the tournament will benefit the team as they prepare for future international competitions.

‘That has to be our next objective. And, of course, we want to qualify again for the 2030 World Cup. I think if South Africa can achieve that over the next three or four years, you will immediately see how far South African football has progressed.

‘When you’re competing at that level, you learn a lot, and you learn quickly. I think that’s exactly what happened to us at this World Cup,’ he added.

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie also paid tribute to Broos during the homecoming celebration, crediting the Belgian coach with restoring belief in the national team.

‘When Hugo Broos took over this team, we were a joke. People were laughing at Bafana Bafana before Hugo Broos. He came and changed how they view Bafana Bafana. Hugo Broos took us to the last 32, so can we all give Hugo Broos a big round of applause!’ McKenzie said.

Turning to the coach, the minister added, ‘You have brought our soccer dignity back. What you have done, we will never forget.’

While Bafana Bafana fell just short of extending their World Cup dream, their historic run united millions of South Africans and has laid a strong foundation for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations campaign and the road to the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

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