In a show of true sporting solidarity, South African Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie ditched the luxury of the VVIP suite to support Bafana Bafana from the stands during their pulse-racing 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe.
The Minister was spotted in the thick of the crowd at Marrakech Stadium alongside his son, Calvin Le John (Chairman of Siwelele FC), as South Africa secured their place in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16.
A Five-Goal Thriller in Marrakech
The “Battle of the Limpopo” delivered on every promise of drama, with Bafana Bafana twice losing the lead before finally sinking their COSAFA rivals.
- Fast Start: Bafana took the lead in the 7th minute via a Tshepang Moremi effort that took a lucky deflection off Divine Lunga.
- Zimbabwe Strikes Back: The Warriors responded through a clinical finish from Tawanda Mashwanhise in the 19th minute.
- The Foster Factor: Shortly after halftime, Lyle Foster dominated the air to head home Bafana’s second (50th minute).
- Never Say Die: Zimbabwe leveled again in the 73rd minute after an Aubrey Modiba deflection, setting up a heart-stopping final 15 minutes.
- The Decider: In the 82nd minute, after a Marvelous Nakamba handball, Man of the Match Oswin Appollis stepped up to the spot and calmly slotted the winner.
The Minister’s Stand People over Perks
True to his word, Minister McKenzie chose to lead from the front—not the boardroom.
“I will be supporting as part of the 12th man from the stands rather than the VVIP area,” McKenzie confirmed prior to kick-off.
His presence among the regular supporters has been widely praised by fans as a gesture of genuine passion for the national team during one of their most significant matches of the tournament.
What’s Next: The Knockout Stage
Bafana Bafana will stay in Marrakech before heading to Rabat for their high-stakes Round of 16 clash.
- Date: Sunday, 4 January 2026
- Time: 21:00 (SA Time)
- Potential Opponents: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, or Mozambique (To be confirmed Wednesday).
