Bafana Bafana's FIFA World Cup campaign got off to a nightmare start on Thursday — a 2-0 loss to Mexico, and midfielder Sphephele 'Yaya' Sithole became the tournament's first player to see red.

The 27-year-old was sent off in the opening match, and social media didn't go easy on him. Trolls blamed his performance for Mexico's goal and questioned his place in the squad. The abuse got so bad that Sithole locked down his Instagram account, switching it to private.

But Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie stepped in with a message of support. On Friday, he posted a picture of Sithole on X, writing: "This isn't tennis, this is football, we win as a team or lose as a team, don't blame yourself, Yaya. This wasn't your best performance, but you took one for the team with that red card. We appreciate all our players, come back stronger son."

McKenzie didn't stop there. He also urged the whole country not to lose hope, drawing a lesson from the Springboks. "The @Springboks lost their first game in 2019 against New Zealand in Japan at the Rugby World Cup. And they went on to win the World Cup," he posted.

The South African Government's official X account also backed the team, commending their "spirited performance" and urging fans to "rally behind our boys."

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula joined in, reminding everyone that just making it to the World Cup was a victory. "The fact that Bafana Bafana is HERE is the victory most doubted," he wrote. "We stand as a country solid behind our boys. And won't bury them for a single match when they've already defied every doubt."

Bafana Bafana still have two group stage matches to play. The team will need to regroup quickly if they want to keep their World Cup dream alive. But for now, the message from the top is clear: no blame, just support.

"This isn't tennis, this is football, we win as a team or lose as a team, don't blame yourself, Yaya."

Key Facts

  • Bafana Bafana lost 2-0 to Mexico in their World Cup opener.
  • Yaya Sithole received the tournament's first red card.
  • He made his Instagram private after online abuse.
  • Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie publicly consoled him.
  • The government and ANC also issued statements of support.

Bafana's next match is crucial. One result doesn't define a campaign — but the team will need to turn words of encouragement into points on the board.