10 October 2021 – It has been a whirlwind.

Traveling to Ethiopia and back, players resemble zombies on their return.

Fatigue has gripped them but it will soon fade as another battle day, is around the corner.

The win is still evident in their smiles and chats, and the atmosphere in the camp is super charged by this positivity.

“I’ve always wanted to score for the national team and I finally did it. This is the team that will take South Africa to the World Cup, I have no doubt about that,” said Teboho Mokoena who found the back of the net through a free kick shortly before the end of the first half.

Mothobi Mvala says that the half time change room chatter changed things slightly in the midfield, and it worked to South Africa’s advantage with yet another goal in the net for Bafana Bafana. “In that very moment I thought let me hang back a little, reading the game and when the ball landed at my feet I knew exactly what to do with it,” said Mvala who is always proudly representing Thuenissen in the Free State and dedicating any goal that comes to his mother.

Evidence Makgopa shared in the sentiments of his team mates, in terms or representation of areas unknown across the country. “Where I’m from I too want the youth to be able to dream knowing dreams do come true.” Makgopa sealed the deal against Ethiopia with a strike in the final minutes of the game for South Africa to walk away victors against an Ethiopian team who might not have had the greatest facilities but showed up with the will and determination, despite the odds.

The team will ensure they kick fatigue over the next day and prepare for the return leg of a strong willed Ethiopian side at FNB Stadium on Tuesday 12th October at 18h00.