President Cyril Ramaphosa Backs Bafana Bafana Ahead of Egypt Showdown

South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa paid a special visit to the Bafana Bafana dressing room at Cairo International Stadium ahead of the national team’s international friendly against Egypt. The President was in Egypt on a working visit for the African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting but took time out of his schedule to meet and encourage the squad before kick-off.

Upon arriving at the stadium, Ramaphosa was welcomed by South African Football Association (SAFA) President Dr Danny Jordaan and newly appointed Bafana Bafana head coach Pitso Mosimane. Mosimane formally introduced the President to the players as the team completed its preparations for the highly anticipated encounter.

Addressing the squad, Ramaphosa congratulated Mosimane and the players on their recent positive results, urging them to continue playing with confidence, belief and determination. He encouraged the team to maintain the momentum they have built and to approach the match with the same winning mentality.

The President also reminded the players of the responsibility that comes with wearing the national colours, stressing that millions of South Africans would be supporting them. He told the squad that every goal, tackle and defensive effort was an opportunity to represent the nation with pride on the international stage.

In a lighter moment, Ramaphosa shared details of a conversation with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The South African leader revealed that his counterpart jokingly asked him to tell Bafana Bafana to “slow down,” prompting laughter from the players and coaching staff as he responded with a spirited show of confidence in the team.

Before leaving the dressing room, Ramaphosa delivered a final message of encouragement, telling the players to enjoy the occasion and give their best effort on the field. He also left the squad with what he described as a lucky charm, promising that its significance would be revealed after the match, as Bafana Bafana headed out to face Egypt with the backing of both their President and the nation.