South Africans uncover why Bafana lost to Nigeria: ‘Fighting without Mandela’s ID’

Bafana Bafana fans have hilariously blamed an auction of late former President Nelson Mandela’s belongings on their loss to Nigeria in the Afcon semi-final on Wednesday evening.

The rationale? The former president could not hear or identify himself to his “ancestors,” thanks to the prospective sale of his ID book and hearing aid!

The South African soccer team lost 4-2 on a penalty shoot-out against the West African country. Nigeria will now play Afcon host country Ivory Coast on Sunday, 11 February.

ALSO READ: How South Africa penalty killed Nigerian politician during AFCON semi-final match

Amid the chest-pain-inducing Afcon semi-final match, South Africans ranted on various reasons for their loss.

One of them was the family auction of Nelson Mandela’s personal items – which has since been called off.

Seventy items – including his ID book, clothing, a walking stick, and even his hearing aid were to be sold to the highest bidder, Guernsey’s auction house, on 22 February 2024.

However according to Bafana Bafana supporters, the “ancestors” were not impressed.

@DineoDMufamadi: “Mandela is up fighting without an ID for Bafana Bafana.”

@Zee_squadd: “I blame the Madiba family. Why did they auction his stuff? Now idlozi li zi jikele [ancestors have turned their back]”.

@Jabu_Macdonald: “If they didn’t sell Mandela’s hearing aid, maybe he could have heard our prayer.”