Rustenburg - Jubilation and tears of joy dotted the faces of Bafana Bafana fans at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg on Wednesday night after the national team outclassed New Zealand 2-nil.
The 46 000 South African fans, who had gathered at the stadium chanted slogans, blew on their vuvuzelas and toy-toyed in celebration.
The party started shortly after Bafana Bafana goal poacher, Bernard Parker, scored a superb opening goal in the first half of the match, prompting fans to passionately sing "Shosholoza" which in turn encouraged players to add more to the goal basket.
Soccer supporters from all races and across the country could not keep their emotions in check when Parker netted a second goal and his brace. It is true that soccer is a unifying sport.
Players such as Siphiwe "Tsotsi Monate" Shabalala, Steven "Schillaci" Pienaar and Teko "The General" Modise doing the 'tsamayas' and 'spy twos' comfortably displayed their skill.
The fans gave the nod to coach Joel Santana and his troops for showing a fighting spirit and commitment.
"Our boys have revived our confidence and they did all they could to win this match. They deserve this win and I'm proud of our coach. This is my country and I will always rally behind Bafana Bafana," said Katlego Moshoeshoe, who has been screaming and dancing since the first whistle.
She told BuaNews that Bafana Bafana showed the world that they were in business and that Spain should not take them for granted.
David Boetes, another soccer fan, said he knew that South Africa would win the game.
"They had shown that they want to win games when they played against Iraq but drew, tonight it's another story and I'm looking forward to seeing our team disappointing the European Champions," he said, before joining the group toy-toying outside the stadium.
By winning the match against New Zealand, South Africa has become number two in the tournament's group A with four points behind Spain who beaten Iraq earlier in a day as they leading the group with six points.
Meanwhile, the Asian Champions are third with one point and the disappointing New Zealand have no points in their basket.
Constable Nhlanhla Makua who was among the policemen deployed at the stadium told BuaNews that Bafana Bafana would still inflict pain on many countries heading towards FIFA 2010 World Cup.
"These boys have a great combination and they are skillful. The well balanced mixture of overseas based players and local ones is working fruitfully for the coach.
"I'm so happy that they have proven their critics and now we have a task of defeating Spain but I believe in our players and they can turn the tables in that match," he said.
South Africa will lock horns with Spain in their last group match at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Saturday night and Iraq will play against New Zealand at Coca Cola Park in Johannesburg on the same day.
