The Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup away jersey, seemingly inspired by the Proteas women’s cricket team (right), has gained immense popularity and was ranked the most impressive design at the World Cup by GiveMeSport. Seen here: South Africa's captain Laura Wolvaardt (R) is congratulated by England's Sophie Ecclestone Picture: Photo by BIJU BORO / AFP
Image: BIJU BORO / AFP
It’s not an understatement to say the FIFA World Cup away jersey of Bafana Bafana has been wildly popular, but don’t think for a second that it’s a completely original design.
When I first saw it, I thought I was looking at the Proteas women’s cricket team jersey that was used at the 2025 ICC Women's Cricket World Cup.
That’s probably because I watch more women’s Proteas games than I do Bafana games.
Therein lies the loophole - it's not expected that many people who follow women’s cricket in South Africa also watch Bafana.
The Bafana Bafana FIFA World Cup away jersey (left), inspired by the Proteas women’s cricket team design (right), has gained immense popularity and was ranked the most impressive design at the World Cup by GiveMeSport. Picture: Adidas/Macron
Image: Adidas/Macron
Of course, the jerseys are not identical, but you can’t deny the Bafana jersey was heavily inspired by the Proteas jersey, which features that dark green colour as the main theme.
In fact, the Bafana away jersey has been rated as one of the most impressive designs on display at the World Cup.
The away jersey is ranked at number one according to a poll carried out by GiveMeSport, with the home kit, with its striking yellow design, coming in at number eight.
SPORTbible wrote about the away jersey, saying: “Everything about this kit is sublime. From the dark green and gold colour combination to its stripes and traditional patterns, it really is a thing of beauty.”
I was able to find this jersey for as low as R1100, while the Bafana replica jersey goes for slightly more at around R1600. The Bafana jerseys, withe the World Cup around the corner are selling fast according to Adidas.
Bafana will be in action in the opening game of the FIFA World Cup, against co-hosts Mexico on June 11. This will be like déjà vu for football fans, as Bafana took on Mexico in the opening match of the 2010 edition in South Africa.
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