The South African Football Association (SAFA) has apologised to supporters after Banyana Banyana defender Bambanani Mbane criticised fans in a TikTok Live video that went viral on social media.
The 36-year-old reacted angrily after South Africa’s 2-1 defeat by Tanzania at WAFCON 2026, swearing at critics and questioning the level of support given to the national team.
Mbane’s comments prompted widespread criticism online, with supporters questioning whether her remarks were appropriate following the defeat.
In the video, Mbane defended Banyana Banyana and argued that fans choosing not to support the team would not change the situation.
“Fing st… your love relationships are not working. Go fix them… You are not Gods,” the defender said.
She continued: “If you don’t want to support us, then don’t. It doesn’t mean when you don’t support us something will change. You want us to beg you like you are our Gods. You don’t even watch football. All you know is just highlights… Fing st,” Mbane said during the TikTok Live.
SAFA acknowledged the incident before Banyana Banyana’s match against Ivory Coast on Friday evening, saying it would deal with the matter internally after the fixture.
“The South African Football Association (SAFA) has noted with concern, comments on social media related to a Banyana Banyana player,” the association wrote.
“We would like to assure the football loving fans and Banyana Banyana supporters that the matter is being dealt with internally. SAFA sincerely apologises for the unfortunate utterances and thanks the public for their unwavering support. With today being Match Day, the team’s immediate focus is on the WAFCON fixture against Ivory Coast. The matter will be addressed after the fixture.”
The association did not provide further details about any potential action against Mbane.
Mbane was involved in the match against Ivory Coast, featuring in Banyana Banyana’s 2-2 draw on Friday evening.
The response from SAFA came after the defender’s remarks triggered a strong reaction among supporters, many of whom criticised her conduct and the language used during the broadcast. The incident also placed renewed focus on the relationship between the national team and its supporters during the WAFCON 2026 campaign.
Banyana Banyana had suffered a 2-1 loss to Tanzania before the Ivory Coast fixture, the result that preceded Mbane’s outburst. Her comments were made publicly through TikTok Live and were subsequently circulated widely across social media.
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