South Africa national soccer team results (2000–2009)

The South Africa national soccer team, nicknamed "Bafana Bafana," experienced a mixed bag of results during the decade spanning 2000 to 2009. This period saw fluctuating performances in major international tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Major Tournaments and Qualifying:

South Africa co-hosted and participated in the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, finishing in third place. Subsequent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008 saw varying degrees of success, with the team often struggling to progress beyond the group stages or early knockout rounds.

World Cup qualifying campaigns during this period were also inconsistent. While South Africa automatically qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup as hosts, their performance in qualifying for the 2002 and 2006 World Cups was unsuccessful.

Key Players and Coaches:

Several notable players represented Bafana Bafana during this era, including established stars and emerging talents. Coaches during this period included individuals tasked with improving the team's performance and achieving qualification for major tournaments. Frequent changes in coaching staff were also a characteristic of this decade.

Overall Performance:

The 2000s were a period of transition for South African football. While there were moments of brilliance and individual talent on display, consistent team performance and success in major tournaments remained elusive. The team faced challenges in establishing a stable squad and consistently competing with the top teams in Africa. The lead-up to the 2010 World Cup, which South Africa hosted, saw significant investment and focus on improving the national team's prospects.