{
  "id": 9550760,
  "title": "OPINION: The toxic support for Bafana Bafana needs to stop",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/24/opinion-the-toxic-support-for-bafana-bafana-needs-to-stop",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-24T11:24:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/soccer/opinion-the-toxic-support-for-bafana-bafana-needs-to-stop/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South African football fans are becoming increasingly divided in their support for Bafana Bafana, with some describing the situation as toxic. The issue lies in supporters fixating on the club affiliations of Bafana players, rather than focusing on their ability to perform at the highest level. This fixation is lazy and does not take into account the unique qualities each player brings to the team. Coaches like Pitso Mosimane have reasons for selecting certain players, such as Themba Zwane, for their leadership and experience, even if they are not regular starters for their club. Similarly, England coach Thomas Tuchel has shown the value of experienced players in international football. The main issue is that it should not matter how many players come from a specific club when they take the field in Bafana Bafana kits, as their sole responsibility is to represent South Africa. Successful teams often have a strong presence in national squads, as evidenced by Spain's 2010 World Cup-winning squad and their recent success. Bafana Bafana, with Mamelodi Sundowns currently among the strongest African teams, should be supported as a united team, rather than being divided by club rivalries.",
  "summary": "So what if Sundowns have 13 players in the national team?",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}