DistantNews
Support us
South Africans pour onto streets in pyjamas to celebrate World Cup feat
🇸🇬 Singapore /Sports

South Africans pour onto streets in pyjamas to celebrate World Cup feat

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Jubilant South Africans celebrated their national football team's advancement to the World Cup round of 32, a feat not achieved since 2010.
  • Fans, some in pyjamas, took to the streets in Soweto and other communities to cheer the team's 1-0 upset victory over South Korea.
  • The achievement is seen as a significant moment for South African football, potentially boosting interest and showcasing national talent.

Jubilant South Africans poured onto the streets in their pyjamas early Thursday to celebrate their national football team's World Cup round-of-32 berth. The team's 1-0 upset victory over South Korea secured second place in Group A, advancing them to a knockout match against Canada.

I could hear the celebrations from my neighbours when Bafana scored and that was enough to tell me how many people stayed up to watch.

— Lorenz KohlerSouth African journalist Lorenz Kohler commenting on the fan celebrations.

This achievement banishes the heartache of 2010, when South Africa became the first host nation to miss the knockout rounds. The team's success this year has been met with unbridled joy and relief, especially after the match kicked off at 3 a.m. local time. Fans in Soweto and other communities left their homes in nightgowns and pyjamas to celebrate the final whistle.

While South Africa boasts sporting success in rugby and cricket, football holds a special place due to its universal popularity. Bafana Bafana's struggle for international success since their 1996 Africa Cup of Nations title made this World Cup advancement particularly meaningful.

I think it is the best we have seen Bafana play in many years, and the celebrations are a release of frustration and passion. People were going crazy.

— Lorenz KohlerSouth African journalist Lorenz Kohler on the significance of the team's performance and the public's reaction.

"I think it is the best we have seen Bafana play in many years, and the celebrations are a release of frustration and passion. People were going crazy," said South African journalist Lorenz Kohler. He believes the moment will be unforgettable and will draw more attention to the country's talent, suggesting a bigger picture beyond the World Cup.

I genuinely feel this is something that will never be forgotten and this will bring more eyeballs to the talent we have in the country. So there is a bigger picture beyond the World Cup.

— Lorenz KohlerSouth African journalist Lorenz Kohler on the long-term impact of the team's success.

Celebrities also shared their excitement, with comedian Trevor Noah posting a video of his celebrations captioned "We made history!" Former striker Marks Maponyane summed up the mood, stating, "It’s going to be a loooong day South Africa, but it is worth every single yawn."

We made history!

— Trevor NoahComedian Trevor Noah's social media post celebrating the team's achievement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog