Bafana Bafana get ready to face Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday and Rwanda in Mbombela next Tuesday
It’s a good time to look back at the players who’ve worn the national jersey the most.
These five legends have become part of South Africa’s football story as the country’s most-capped players ever.
BAFANA BAFANA’S MOST-CAPPED PLAYERS OF ALL TIME
1. Aaron Mokoena – 107 caps
Affectionately known as ‘Mbazo’ (The Axe), the Boipatong-born footballer holds the record as Bafana Bafana’s all-time appearance leader with 107 caps. He was appreciated for his fearlessness and natural leadership. The former central defender also holds the title of the youngest ever international at the age of 17.
2. Itumeleng Khune – 91 caps
The Ventersdorp-born Khune is the first goalkeeper superstar in Mzansi. More than his reflex saves, Khune was rated as one of the world’s best-ever ball distributors with his feet, with a signature volley pass.
3. Siphiwe Tshabalala – 89 caps
His cracker against Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup is the most iconic moment in Bafana Bafana history. But beyond, the Soweto-born Shabba earned 89 caps.
4. Siyabonga Nomvethe – 82 caps
Native to KwaMashu, Durban, Nomvethe was the ultimate professional. Not only did he hit 82 appearances, but his football career ended at the advanced age of 43 in 2020.
5. BENNI MCCARTHY – 80 CAPS
Also the nation’s top goal-scorer of all time, McCarthy wore the Bafana Bafana shirt 80 times. He also enjoyed a glittering club career and remains the only South African to ever win the UEFA Champions League with FC Porto in 2004.
