Mamelodi Sundowns Legends Relive the 2010 FIFA World Cup Magic

Author: John Aliu

Sixteen years may have passed since South Africa welcomed the world to its shores, but for those who lived it as part of Bafana Bafana, memories of the 2010 FIFA World Cup remain electric.

The FIFA World Cup was more than a tournament — it was a national awakening, a moment when South Africa stood proudly on the global stage and showed what Africa could achieve when united behind a dream.

For Mamelodi Sundowns icons Surprise Moriri, Matthew Booth and Katlego Mphela, it was the pinnacle of their footballing lives, a moment that still shapes how they see the game today.

As the world builds toward another FIFA World Cup — and with Sundowns fresh from lifting a historic second CAF Champions League title — the trio reflected on 2010’s enduring legacy, the rise of African football and what the future holds for club and country.

Booth remembers the atmosphere more vividly: “The unity was unbelievable. It felt like the whole Country was moving in the same direction. Everywhere you went, there was pride, excitement and a sense that we were part of something historic. For me, it remains one of the most important moments in our sporting history.”

Moriri agrees, calling 2010 a turning point for Africa’s global image, “Hosting the first World Cup on African soil was a statement. It showed the world that Africa could deliver the biggest event in sport. It inspired young players and created opportunities that are still shaping football today.”

He is especially excited about reuniting with his former teammates in Mexico, “It will be special to see the guys again, share stories and relive those moments. It is my first time in Mexico, so I am looking forward to the experience. More than anything, I am excited to see Bafana Bafana back on the world stage and hopefully making history of their own.”

For Mphela, who notably scored in South Africa’s memorable 2-1 victory over France in their final Group A clash, one memory still stands above the rest.

“People remember Tshabalala’s goal, but what stays with me is the atmosphere. The vuvuzelas, the energy, the pride — it felt like the whole world was celebrating with us. Football united the country in a way I had never seen before. The parade in an open bus through the streets of Sandton just before the tournament kicked off brought unity. The Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira later understood why the parade was done.”

He believes one achievement still deserves more recognition: “Beating France at a World Cup was massive. If you watch The Bus: A French Football Mutiny, you understand what was happening behind the scenes — but we still had to perform. That result is one of the biggest in our football history and it deserves more credit.”
Looking ahead, Mphela believes South Africa must approach future World Cups with belief rather than fear.

“South Africa has the quality to compete, but what matters most is mentality. At a World Cup, you are facing the best players in the world, so you cannot go there with fear. You have to believe you belong. If Bafana Bafana can stay organised, take their chances and play with confidence, they can surprise people. We have seen African teams break barriers before, and there is no reason we cannot do the same. It is about turning potential into performance on the day.”

Booth adds that 2010’s impact goes far beyond the group-stage results, “People forget how close we came to the knockout stages. But the bigger victory was how the tournament changed global perceptions of Africa. It challenged stereotypes and showed the world a different side of the Continent.”

Moriri also highlights the significance of that famous win over France, “We often talk about Tshabalala’s goal, but beating France was a massive achievement. It showed the quality we had as a team and gave supporters a moment they will never forget.”
With a record 10 African nations set to feature in the global football showpiece in North America, Mphela believes the Continent is closer than ever to breaking new ground.

“The chances are better than ever. Morocco showed what is possible by reaching the semi-finals in 2022. African football has grown immensely since 2010. Players are competing at the highest levels around the world and the belief is stronger than ever. I would not be surprised to see an African nation reach the final."

Booth also shares that optimism, “Ten African teams mean more opportunities and greater experience for the continent. The expanded format gives more pathways through third-place finishes, which could be crucial. Africa now has more belief, more teams and a stronger chance than ever before of making a real impact.”

Asked to predict the tournament contenders, the trio offered their selections:

Matthew Booth: England, France, Portugal, Senegal

Katlego Mphela: France, Spain, England, Senegal

Surprise Moriri: South Africa, Spain, France, Portugal

While World Cup conversations continue, none of them could ignore Mamelodi Sundowns’ recent continental triumph. For Moriri, the second CAF Champions League star represents collective excellence.

“This achievement belongs to everyone connected to the Club. The leadership provided the vision, the technical team guided the process, the players delivered on the field and the supporters stood behind the team every step of the way. Winning a second Champions League confirms Sundowns’ place among Africa’s elite.”

Mphela believes the impact stretches beyond Chloorkop, “This is a proud moment for South African football. Sundowns continue to raise the standard and show what is possible when a club is built on stability, ambition and excellence. The success of Masandawana benefits the entire country.”

Booth’s message to the current generation is clear and heartfelt: “You have made history and inspired the next generation. The challenge now is to keep pushing and build on the legacy of this great Football Club. What impressed me most was how they handled the pressure in the second leg despite travel disruptions and difficult circumstances. That is the mark of a mature, battle-hardened squad. Credit must also go to the Sundowns leadership and management for creating an environment where excellence is expected and sustained. This second star is the reward for years of vision, hard work and commitment from everyone involved.”

Sixteen years after helping South Africa make history at Africa’s first FIFA World Cup, Booth, Mphela and Moriri remain united by one belief — African football’s greatest chapters may still lie ahead.

And as Mamelodi Sundowns proudly carry two stars on their badge, while a record number of African nations prepare to step onto football’s biggest stage once again, the message is obvious — the dream that began in 2010 is still very much alive and continues to evolve.

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Sundowns Ladies and the Spirit of WAFCON

Nuno Santos’ World Cup Wishes for Portugal

Khulumani Ndamane’s Journey from Sundowns Debut to the FIFA World Cup

Inside the Sundowns Ladies Travel Bags

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