Julius Malema Claims He Spared Bafana Bafana’s Blushes by Bringing EFF Members to OR Tambo

• EFF leader Julius Malema was at OR Tambo International to welcome home Bafana Bafana
• The national team's homecoming was dominated by a wave of the party's red supporters
• Star South African midfielder, Teboho Mokoena declared his admiration for the politician

Bafana Bafana's Valentine's Day homecoming could be considered an optic victory for the EFF.

The political party stole the show at OR Tambo International as all eyes were on Johannesburg to welcome home AFCON 2023's bronze medallists.

The players and coaching staff were the main attraction, but the atmosphere created was all down to the Red Berets.

The spectacle was all part of the plan, according to EFF leader Julius Malema. The controversial leader has claimed that the party's supporters arrived in numbers as they felt it may be quiet without them.

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The pre-dawn arrival would have deterred many fans but not the followers of the 'Commander in Chief'. TimesLive published Malema's reasoning:

"When people have done well for the country, have demonstrated their love for you, and you return that love with love, they will sleep at the airport and show the world they care."

Grant Kekana acknowledged the politician's support, stating that Malema had sent him an inspirational message during the tournament.

The Mamelodi Sundowns centre-back can be directly linked to South Africa's fortunes, as they conceded only one goal while he was on the field, a penalty against Nigeria.

He replaced Siyanda Xulu after the opening game against Mali, which then began Bafana Bafana's run to the bronze medal. FARPost relayed his post-tournament sentiments:

"I think I have been written off quite a few times in my career, you know. It’s always about defying the odds."

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It is unclear how many of Mamelodi Sundowns' Bafana Bafana players will feature in the DStv Premiership return this weekend when Masandawana resume their campaign against Orlando Pirates on Saturday, February 17.

Teboho Mokoena declares EFF support

Sports Brief recently reported on Teboho Mokoena's shoutout to EFF leader Julius Malema.

The midfielder declared the politician his 'favourite president' in South Africa ahead of the elections.

2024 is shaping up to be a tense election year as South Africans head to the polls to elect their government.