By Michael Madyira
Hundreds of Economic Freedom Fighters supporters dominated the crowd at Oliver Tambo International Airport early on Wednesday morning to welcome Bafana Bafana arriving from the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.
Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos and his men touched down in Johannesburg just before 5am to a heroes’ welcome after claiming an Afcon bronze medal.
But stealing the show were EFF supporters whose red T-shirts, berets and flags with political messages drowned out the traditional green and gold Bafana regalia worn by other fans.
Endorsing what looked like a political event was Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
“I’m very happy to see president Julius [Malema],” Mokoena said as he addressed the crowd. “He is my favourite president in the country.”
Also present was Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi as politicians appeared to be stampeding for attention on what looked like an impromptu campaign platform.
Malema defended the presence of the large number of EFF supporters.
“I will not speak for others because we were told that sports would unite us,” Malema told the media.
“So we came and we never said anyone must not come. If they decide to stay away, it is for their reasons and they may have good reasons.
“We thought we must come and give them support and we consciously took that decision because we knew Bafana were arriving in the early hours of the morning and [it was] most likely that the place would be empty.”
Malema insists that had the EFF not mobilised its supporters to greet the team at the airport, Bafana faced the possible embarrassment of being welcomed by only a handful of fans.
“We were right and if we had not shown up with the numbers we turned up with, they were not going to be well received,” Malema said.
“The speculation out there would be that they were rejected.”
Safa president Danny Jordaan and Bafana captain Ronwen Williams both gave speeches at the airport to thank fans for their support.
Pictured above: EFF supporters welcome Bafana Bafana at OR Tambo International Airport.
Image source: EFF
