Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie put aside earlier criticism to welcome Bafana Bafana home following their elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, showing public support for the team upon their arrival at the airport on Wednesday.
The national team returned to South Africa after their Afcon campaign ended on Sunday with a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon, a result that sparked widespread disappointment among fans.
McKenzie himself had been vocal in the aftermath of the loss, openly criticising missed chances that he felt cost the team a place in the next round.
Despite that, the minister struck a more supportive tone as the squad landed back home.
Taking to social media, McKenzie shared a video of himself greeting head coach Hugo Broos, players and members of the technical team, shaking hands and offering words of encouragement.
“Our boys are gutted. Not succeeding is the best lesson,” McKenzie wrote on X.
“Rise above your own disappointment, boys. We love you and have full hope that Mexico will be set alight by you. True South Africans are behind you all the way. I’m glad I came to welcome you this morning,” he added.
His post drew mixed reactions online, with some praising the gesture as leadership and unity, while others questioned the contrast between his earlier criticism and his airport appearance.
Still, many supporters welcomed the message of encouragement as Bafana Bafana turn their focus to the future.
With Afcon 2025 now behind them, the team is expected to regroup and shift attention to upcoming World Cup commitments, as preparations continue for the global stage ahead.
Our Boys are gutted, not succeeding is the best lesson, rise above your own disappointment Boys, We love you and have full hope that Mexico will be set alight by you. True South Africans are behind you all the way. I’m glad I came to welcome you this morning 🥹⚽️❤️🤛 pic.twitter.com/03yspsyHnt
— Gayton McKenzie (@GaytonMcK) January 7, 2026
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