ALTHOUGH Bafana Bafana has washed the jersey in the World Cup, but the names of its four players will always be counted in the history of those who played every minute of the matches of the national teams that advanced to the Last 32 in Mexico, Canada and the United States of America (USA).
Bafana 2026 has made history by being the first squad to advance to the knockout stages of the World Cup since South Africa was reinstated in world football.
This national team, which was tied in Group A with Mexico, Canada and the USA, finished the group with four points and advanced to the Last 32 for the first time in history.
It has become history, however, that Bafana’s path ended at this stage when they were beaten 1-0 by Canada.
Although Bafana have returned to South Africa, the names of Ronwen Williams, Mbekezeli “TLB” Mbokazi, Ime Okon and Khuliso Mudau will always be mentioned about what will happen in the 2026 tournament.
These players have entered the list of special players who have played every minute in their national teams from the group stage until the Last 32 of this tournament.
Williams, who is the captain, conceded four goals in four games, denied a goal in one, and played every minute played by Bafana in this tournament.
When Bafana came to this country yesterday, Williams thanked the support.
“We heard the prayers of the people of South Africa every time we were on the field. Thank you to the sponsors and Safa for ensuring that the players got everything they needed,” said Williams at OR Tambo International Airport.
This goalkeeper did not need to work much in the World Cup since there were Mbokazi (20) and Okon (21) in front of him.
These players who are in the books of Chicago Fire FC of USA and Hanover 96 of Germany respectively, have caught the eye of many with the way they played well.
Mbokazi is being talked about all over the world and there are rumors pointing Okon to the big clubs in Europe.
The fourth player who played all the minutes was Mudau who came forward from the right corner.
By playing it every minute on the field. these players are competing with world stars who were always present in the field including Manuel Neuer (Germany), Alisson Becker, Marquinhos and Gabriel (Brazil), Virgil van Dyk and Denzel Dumfries (Netherlands) and Yassine Bounou with Achraf Hakimi (both from Morocco).