South Africans were seen in stitches on social media after watching a video of the Bafana Bafana national team arriving at their accommodation after defeating Cape Verde in the AFCON 2023 quarter-finals on Saturday.
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French speaking Bafana Star Grant Kekana
The footage shows the players arriving under a guard of honor in the village of Bouaké, in Cite Cain, Ivory Coast, and receiving a standing ovation from staff.
Bafana hero and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the first to disembark to greet the workers. He is followed by Mamelodi Sundowns team-mates such as Teboho Mokoena and Ricardo Goss.
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Some players leave without informing the staff, while others (including Motobi Mvala) smile and wave.
But it's Masandawana defender Grant Kekana who brings smiles to everyone's faces with his energetic greetings. The cheerful soccer player shows off his French speaking skills while smiling, waving and shouting “Bonjour” several times. Despite the mispronunciation, staff are happy with the soccer star.
Bafana fans on X (formerly Twitter) are also impressed with Kekana.
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Semi-final vs. Nigeria
Bafana Bafana defeated Cape Verde in a penalty shootout to advance to the AFCON semi-finals.
Williams, who is also the captain of the Bafana team, helped South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, saving four penalties after a 0-0 draw against the Blue Sharks.
The Sundowns goalkeeper, who is undoubtedly a contender for the Goalkeeper of the Year award at the end of the tournament, made a superb late save after Gilson Benchimaul's shot to send the quarter-final into extra time.
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Additionally, Williams dived to his right and blocked Cape Verde's first three penalties. The final spot kick was saved by diving to the left.
Bafana will face rivals Nigeria in the semi-finals at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday at 7pm (SA time).
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