We love them, but they stress us: the emotional toll of supporting Bafana Bafana
For anyone who loves football, there are few experiences as emotionally demanding as standing behind Bafana Bafana, match after match.
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If you are a football fan, you know that few things are as stressful as supporting Bafana Bafana.
Today is a tense moment for South Africans, as all eyes turn to the match against Rwanda this evening at 6pm. For Bafana Bafana to keep their 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams alive, this game is crucial.
On Friday, Bafana Bafana drew 0-0 against Zimbabwe in match nine of ten.
It was a nerve-wracking experience that left the nation hoping for a better performance or a touch of magic to secure qualification tonight. A loss to Rwanda would severely damage their chances of automatic qualification.
The path to qualification is narrow.
Bafana Bafana must either beat Rwanda and hope that Nigeria wins against Benin, or they must win by two goals while Nigeria draws with Benin.
The pressure is enormous, and the emotional toll on supporters is immediate. Fingers are crossed throughout Mzansi.
This is not the first time South Africans have faced tense moments with Bafana Bafana. The team last qualified for the World Cup in 2002.
They participated in 2010 as hosts, which granted automatic entry. Despite three appearances on football’s biggest stage, South Africa has never advanced past the first round.
Tonight, the team faces additional challenges. A three-point deduction for fielding the ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in March, combined with the draw against Zimbabwe, leaves their situation rocky.
Bafana Bafana faces another setback as Mbekezeli Mbokazi is suspended following a red card against Zimbabwe. Despite these setbacks, supporters hope the team will prevail.
Supporting Bafana Bafana brings both joy and stress. Every pass, every shot, every referee decision feels amplified.
The emotional highs of victory are thrilling, but the lows can be draining. Fans ride a rollercoaster of hope, anxiety and relief.
The anticipation of qualification, or the fear of elimination, becomes a shared experience across the country.
We love the team because of the pride, the history and the moments of brilliance. Yet, the stress is unavoidable, as every match can feel like a decisive life event.
For those feeling anxious ahead of tonight’s match, dietitian Mbali Mapholi offers practical advice: stay hydrated, as water helps keep the body calm and prevents racing heartbeats and headaches.
Limit caffeine and alcohol, which can increase nervousness. Choose filling snacks with protein and fibre to stabilise blood sugar. Eat magnesium-rich foods such as spinach, pumpkin seeds, bananas, avocado, oranges, milk or yoghurt to support a calmer mood.
Practice mindful eating by chewing slowly or focusing on the texture of foods like popcorn or biltong to distract the mind and reduce tension.